Urge Congress to change the Fair Labor Standards Act re: minors
If passed, this resolution would align state-level employment practices for minors with broader economic goals, enabling local businesses to address labor shortages more effectively. By permitting younger individuals to work during these hours, proponents believe that businesses can maintain normal operating hours and thus potentially increase local economic activity. This approach reflects a growing trend to reconsider the employment regulations concerning younger workers, particularly in the wake of workforce challenges stemming from the pandemic.
SCR2 is a concurrent resolution introduced by Senator Schaffer and co-sponsored by several other senators and representatives. The resolution urges the United States Congress to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to allow individuals under 16 years of age to be employed during the school year from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This proposal emerges in the context of a labor market affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in high unemployment rates and a shortage of available workers across the nation.
The sentiment surrounding SCR2 is somewhat supportive, particularly among business owners and some lawmakers who view the resolution as a means to alleviate labor shortages and bolster local economies. However, there are likely concerns regarding the implications for the welfare of minors and the balance between work and education that could arise from allowing younger workers to extend their working hours during the school year. The discussions suggest a divide between economic necessity and child welfare considerations.
The primary contention related to SCR2 likely revolves around the appropriate balance of youth employment regulations and the need for businesses to adapt to economic conditions. Advocates argue that changing the FLSA is essential for helping youths gain employment experience while supporting local businesses, whereas opponents may raise issues about potential overreach in labor policies impacting young workers. As this bill moves through the legislative process, the debate will likely reflect the tensions between economic recovery efforts and protecting youth from overexploitation in the workforce.