A conflict between federal and Iowa state child labor laws has led to more businesses being fined for hiring children for dangerous jobs.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor fined an Iowa company $171,000 for breaking federal child labor laws by employing school-age children.
Peter Hird, the secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Federation of Labor, explained that Iowa changed its laws to make it easier for businesses to hire children during a labor shortage caused by the pandemic. However, federal laws take priority over state laws, so companies following Iowa’s rules are still being penalized by federal authorities.
For example, Qvest, a contractor in Sioux City, was fined for hiring 11 children to do hazardous overnight work cleaning equipment at a pork processing plant. Federal laws strictly forbid anyone under 18 from working dangerous jobs in meat and poultry plants.
Hird noted that some employers are using child labor to fill gaps where they can’t find enough adult workers. This push to loosen child labor laws in Iowa reflects a broader national trend. However, organized labor groups have strongly opposed these changes.
Hird also raised concerns about employers claiming ignorance when children show up for work, saying, “Kids are arriving at meatpacking plants with school backpacks, yet employers claim they didn’t realize they were underage.” He also mentioned issues with human trafficking on construction sites and in meatpacking plants.
While the Biden administration has cracked down on companies hiring children, Hird worries the incoming Trump administration might take a softer approach, siding with businesses instead of enforcing strict rules.
He emphasized the importance of holding employers accountable, saying, “We want companies hiring kids illegally to face consequences. In the past, the Trump administration wasn’t as outspoken about child labor violations.”