A new bill rolling back child labor laws in Iowa to allow 14-year-olds to work hazardous jobs in the mining, meatpacking and logging sectors as long as they are done under an approved training program has been harshly criticized by Democrat state senators and labor rights experts.
According to the existing state law, those under the age of 18 in Iowa are prohibited from doing dangerous jobs such as working in slaughterhouses, operating power-driven metal forming, punching or shearing machines, and being involved in roofing operations and demolition work.
The new bill sponsored by Republican State Senator Jason Schultz—Senate File 167—wants to amend a section of Iowa's code on child labor to allow teens to work in these prohibited jobs when "participating in work-based learning or a school or employer-administered, work-related program."
While many of the jobs previously forbidden to teens would remain prohibited under state law, those between 14 and 17 who could prove "the activity will be performed under adequate supervision and training," that "the training includes adequate safety precautions" and that "the terms and conditions of the proposed employment will not interfere with the health, well-being, or schooling of the minor enrolled in an approved program" would be allowed to do these dangerous jobs.
Under the new bill, working in freezers and meat coolers—previously forbidden occupations—would be allowed to 14- and 15-year-olds. Teens between 16- and 17-year-olds would be allowed to serve alcohol to people drinking it on the premises of the building when they receive the written permission of a parent, legal custodian or guardian.
Teens could also work two hours later into the night than they were previously allowed if the bill is passed.
On top of that, Senate File 167 would also free businesses from civil liability if a teen gets sick, is injured or killed on the job due to the company's negligence or the teen's negligence. The businesses would only be liable for "gross negligence and willful misconduct"—a much more difficult thing to prove in court.
The bill has received the backing of several of his fellow party members in the GOP-controlled Iowa House and business groups, but the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO), Charlie Wishman, has condemned it as "reprehensible."
"This is just crazy," Wishman told the Des Moines Register. "A kid can still lose an arm in a work-based learning program."
Wishman told Newsweek: "For us, this bill overall undermines the basic recognition that child labor should be limited and safe. Let kids be kids—there are plenty of job opportunities right now for kids to gain experience and learn responsibility without putting them in danger or compromising their academic success."
He added: "Here are answers to this state's workforce problems, and it's not hiring children to do adult jobs. It's better pay, benefits, and working conditions for adults that can make Iowa an attractive place to live and work."
Wishman said that the consequences of allowing children to work in meat-packing plants or operate heavy machinery "could and likely would be disastrous."
"You can still be killed, maimed, or injured even if something is under the guise of a 'work based learning program'," he added.
On Twitter, Democrat State Senator Claire Celsi called the bill "another sign that the labor market in Iowa is in big trouble."
Another sign that the labor market in Iowa is in BIG trouble...Businesses are so desperate to hire warm bodies that they want politicians to bend child labor laws (and eliminate corporate liability). https://t.co/VXUogcQpXu
— Claire Celsi (@SenClaireCelsi) February 1, 2023
She added: "Businesses are so desperate to hire warm bodies that they want politicians to bend child labor laws (and eliminate corporate liability)."
Democrat State Senator Nate Boulton described the proposed legislation as "offensive," adding that "putting children at risk, and creating immunity for that risk, is not acceptable."
Newsweek contacted Sen. Schultz for comment.
Correction, 2/9/23 at 5:18 a.m. ET: This article was updated to correct the spelling of Jason Schultz's name.
Update, 2/9/23 at 5:33 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include an original comment from Charlie Wishman.
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