Lawmakers vow to get tougher on child labor violations (N.C. maximum penalty of $250 per violation)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/597/story/336906.html

Franco Ordoñez, and Ames Alexander
Staff writers
Posted: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008

Federal and state lawmakers said this week they will push to strengthen the government's power to keep youths out of dangerous jobs and punish employers who violate child labor laws.

In Washington, some members of Congress want to beef up child labor inspections. In Raleigh, some legislators – along with the current and incoming Governors – said they will move to stiffen fines for violating child labor laws. The maximum penalty of $250 per violation in North Carolina hasn't changed in nearly three decades.

“The employment of underage workers in high-risk, physically dangerous jobs as uncovered by the Charlotte Observer is alarming,” N.C. Governor-elect Bev Perdue said. “The need is clear – there must be tougher enforcement of our state's child labor laws and stiffer penalties for any business or industry caught breaking them.”

Their comments came in response to Observer stories this week showing that federal child labor enforcement has declined, despite new evidence that employers are ignoring the laws. As part of its investigation, the Observer interviewed more than 20 current and former House of Raeford Farms workers who said the N.C.-based poultry company often hired underage workers.

Gov. Mike Easley said he would instruct his staff to try to address the problems before he leaves office in January.

“It's hard to believe that's going on in this century and in this state,” he said. “…You're really talking about a form of child abuse here. We're not a state that wants children abused and endangered.”

FULL story at link.