Child Labor Violations in Wisconsin 2023

What significant change contributed to the increase in complaints received in 2022?

How many complaints were reported in 2021?

What does the recent bill approved by the Wisconsin Assembly propose?

Which of the following is primarily verified in most child labor cases?

What action are some members of Congress taking in response to child labor issues?

In which industry did most of the child labor violations in Wisconsin occur?

What was the total number of child labor violations reported in Wisconsin during the 2023 fiscal year?

Which organization is primarily responsible for enforcing child labor requirements in Wisconsin?

How many children were reported to have been illegally employed at Florence Hardwoods?

What situation led to an investigation at Florence Hardwoods?

What percentage of child labor violations in Wisconsin were related to hours for 14- and 15-year-olds?

How much did Packers Sanitation Services pay in penalties for employing minors?

Which of the following states had the highest number of child labor violations compared to Wisconsin in 2023?

Child Labor Violations in Wisconsin

Nationally: Increased child labor violations are being reported.
Wisconsin: 173 child labor violations were reported in the 2023 fiscal year (October 2022 - September 2023).
- Most violations (64.7%) involved the food services industry.
- 124 violations related to working hours standards for 14- and 15-year-olds in non-agricultural jobs.
- A smaller number involved hazardous jobs and other regulations.
State Data:
- Wisconsin recorded 62 minor employment complaints in 2023.
- This marked an increase from 80 complaints in 2022.
- Increased complaints in 2022 were attributed to a policy update that simplified the complaint process.
Federal Data:
- Wisconsin's violation numbers are compared to neighboring states:
  - Illinois: 54 violations
  - Michigan: 306 violations
  - Minnesota: 385 violations
Florence Hardwoods:
- Paid over $190,000 in penalties for employing nine children in hazardous machinery.
Packers Sanitation Services:
- Paid $1.5 million in penalties for employing over 100 children in hazardous occupations across multiple states.
Legislative Responses:
- Wisconsin Assembly approved a bill to eliminate work permit requirements for 14- and 15-year-olds.
  - The bill does not change state laws on working hours or hazardous jobs.
- Members of Congress are working to enhance enforcement of child labor laws.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The FLSA covers child labor requirements enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development also enforces employment of minor laws.

Explore the alarming rise of child labor violations in Wisconsin for the fiscal year 2023. With 173 reported violations, most of these involve the food services industry and hours worked by minors. Learn about state and federal comparisons, as well as details regarding penalties imposed on offenders.