The sun is shining, birds are singing, and...our allergies are going NUTS. That can only mean one thing: It's time for The Indicator Quiz! The show where we bring a lucky listener on to test their econ knowledge. Today's quiz focuses on questions related to labor. Play along with us and see how you do! Are you interested in being a contestant on our next Indicator Quiz? Email us your name and phone number at indicator@npr.org and put "Indicator Quiz" in the subject line.
The number of teenagers in the workforce today is at its highest level in about 20 years. At the same time, child labor violations are up and states are relaxing some protections for their youngest workers. On today's show, we examine the state of the Gen Z labor force, and the distinction between youth employment and child labor.
As some states look to roll back child labor laws, Democrats in Congress introduce a bill to increase protections for children working in agriculture that would raise the minimum age to 14.
Three franchisees operating McDonald's locations in Maryland, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana collectively had 305 minors working illegally. They are ordered to pay more than $200,000 in civil penalties.
Child labor rules in agriculture are looser than those in other industries, even for tasks that are dangerous. For all tobacco laborers, but especially kids, the work can cause nicotine poisoning.
Lawmakers in 11 states have either passed or introduced laws to roll back child labor laws — a push that’s come from industry trade organizations and mostly conservative legislators as businesses scramble for low-wage workers.
Under the Youth Hiring Act of 2023, those under 16 don't have to get the Division of Labor's permission to be employed. The state also doesn't have to verify their age anymore.
The total number of violations is still much lower than it was two decades ago. But violations have more than tripled since 2015, a trend that has experts troubled.
Since the return of the Taliban, Afghanistan's coal exports have increased — and so has child labor. At a coal mine in Baghlan province, boys earn between $3 and $8 for a day's work.
His father left with their savings, and the mother isn't able to work. A new report points to an increase in child labor, with millions of kids working. And COVID has likely made matters worse.
