Child labor. Those words bring images of six-year olds on spinning room floors, pulling threads because their fingers were smaller. And many of us in progressive New Jersey shudder at the thought of children working rather than being in school. But then there are those nostalgic pictures of teenagers working in ice cream parlors in the summer.
Well, believe it or not, the New Jersey Legislature rolled back certain protections for minors working. Were we asleep when Six Flags and state commerce associations pushed through legislation permitting 16-and 17-year olds to work up to 50 hours a week, or 10 hours a day, when they’re not in school? What kind of jobs will they have?
The law does limit this to between the end of school and Labor Day and requires minimum wage for most jobs; however, overtime pay is limited to a few jobs. Minors under 16 cannot work more than 40 hours a week. The NJ Labor Department has established regulations, but how will they be monitored? Let’s make sure we don’t become like some other states who have created exploitive conditions for minors.
Prayer for the Day
God, who appears in the most unusual places, let us see your face,
For at times we feel lost and unsure of your presence;
God, who is present in a blade of grass or the bird soaring above us,
Let us find he extraordinary in what appears to be ordinary.
Open our spirits, O Lord, so we may discover your Spirit
Even where we least expect it.
In the name of the One who embodies your Spirit,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
A serf-supporting and self-respecting democracy can plead no justification for the existence of child labor, no economic reason for chiseling workers’ wages or stretching workers’ hours.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, President (1882-1945)
Newt Gingrich [and others] want to repeal child labor laws. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the man to lead us into the 18th century.
- David Letterman, talk show host 1982-2015
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,
And their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
Isaiah 41: 17