Reps. White, McNally Demand Ohio Protect Children, Strengthen Child Labor Laws

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Erika White (D-Springfield Township) and Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) Tuesday hosted a press conference for The Clock Kids Out Act, which is intended to protect children from entering the workforce prematurely.

Joining them at the press conference was labor leaders and advocates from the Children’s Defense Fund and Policy Matters Ohio.  

“We are facing a new wave of exploitation and my colleagues and I aren’t going to let it happen,” said Rep. McNally. “These are serious and common transgressions that call for heightened oversight and intervention by the Ohio Department of Commerce. Exploitation of children should never be tolerated and I take these incidents very seriously.”

Since 2018, the U.S Department of Labor has seen a 69% increase in children being employed illegally by companies. According to the CDC, workers aged 15-17 years in the hospitality industry had the highest percentage of work-related injuries requiring at least 1 day away from work.

Rep. White shared her own personal experiences as a labor leader, mother, and as someone who has been working since the age of 14:

“It is vital to protect our children from dangerous jobs, as exposure to hazardous work environments can have lasting physical and emotional consequences. Instead, we should channel their energy and enthusiasm into community-building initiatives, such as volunteering at local shelters, participating in environmental cleanup projects, or engaging in educational programs that benefit both them and the community. 

There is an African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child and in America it also takes a community to save that child. While some children may wish to take on part-time work to earn extra money, we must establish strong, clear guidelines to ensure they are not overextended. Studies consistently show that long hours can detrimentally impact their education and personal development, potentially stunting their growth and prospects. 

By striking this balance, we can promote their development, well-being, and safety, ultimately fostering a healthier, brighter future for Ohio's youth,” said Rep. White.

Violations are happening in Ohio too. Headlines have included a 15-year-old working in a lathe mill operating a sawmill and two dozen minors working in a meat processing and sanitation plant.

“We call on lawmakers and community leaders in Ohio to take immediate action to protect our children from workplace exploitation. Children should not be forced into labor environments that put their well-being at risk or inhibit their right to enjoy a carefree childhood. It's essential to enforce stricter regulations that prevent the hiring of minors in hazardous conditions and ensure their access to education and safe recreational activities. Let our kids be kids, free to learn, play, and grow in a secure environment,” said Jay Walther, President of CWA Local 4320 and an Ohio father.

By expanding investigations, increasing penalties, and asking our educators to partner with us in planning the emphasis on learning and being a kid, Ohio will be sending a clear and concise message that children cannot and should never be the answer to our workforce shortage problems.

“A part of growing up with dignity, hope, and joy for some of our adolescent children is to have a work experience at a safe, healthy, and nurturing place of employment for a fair wage,” said Dr. John Stanford, Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio State Director. “I think everyone believes that a safe and positive work opportunity provides many important skills, training, and lessons that our young people need to learn as they group up, graduate high school, and become productive citizens. The work opportunity, however, cannot be to the detriment of their immediate and long-term well-being, to their health, nor to their educational opportunities.”

The Clock Kids Out Act addresses the growing exploitation of minors within our state’s workforce.

The Clock Kids Out Act will:

• Subject an employer a fine of up to $50,000 for knowingly violating any of the continuing law restrictions related to the hours a minor may be employed.
• Requires a school employee to report to the school’s principal or a designee when the employee is aware or has a reasonable suspicion a student under the age of 16 is employed in a manner that violates continuing law restrictions related to the hours a minor may be employed.
• Establishes the Minor Labor Law Enforcement Fund to be used by the Director of Commerce or to administer and enforce Ohio's Minor Labor Law.
• Appropriates $150,000 to the fund in FY’s 2025 and 2026 for the purposes of hiring enforcement staff.
   

The Clock Kids Out Act is awaiting a bill number and committee assignment.  

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture from Tuesday’s press conference is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.