NCAE anticipating child labor bill

By CAROL KINSLEY

According to the National Council of Agricultural Employers, there has been talk, but no trackable movement to date, that the Children’s Act for Responsible Employment (HR3564) would be reintroduced — either stand-alone or as an addition to some other legislation. NCAE continues to watch for that, noting the level of activist group and media “buzz” indicates the potential sponsors are attempting to set the stage for movement soon. NCAE says it will oppose HR3564 as it has been written in the past because it constitutes a virtual ban on adolescent employment in agriculture.
Oxfam and Farmworker Justice recently issued a report, “Weeding out Abuses,” claiming widespread abuse of farm workers. The release appears to have been timed, NCAE suggested, to coincide with a press release on June 17 by the Department of Labor announcing enhanced penalties for improper employment of children in agriculture.
Secretary Hilda L. Solis is quoted from the release: “These increased fines, coupled with important recent revisions to the child labor rules and reinvigorated enforcement by the Wage and Hour Division, will help ensure the safety of children.”
NCAE urged all members to be sure they are in full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws relative to employment of youth in agriculture.
In a news brief sent out by email, NCAE wrote: “To assure everyone understands our (NCAE) position, we believe that agricultural employment can provide important work experience, income opportunity, and guidance toward agricultural careers for young people. In short, we are in favor of youth employment opportunities in agriculture provided they are properly placed, trained/certified, have parental consent, and that employment does not detract from educational achievement.”
NCAE recommended the following link as “an excellent summary of youth agricultural employment rules (thanks to the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension program”: http://fyi.uwex.edu/agsafety/2010/06/11/hiring-teen-workers-in-agriculture.