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Yesterday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures to combat a recent rise in child labor violations and labor trafficking within the state.
An increase of 68% of reports of child labor violations last year within the state, the governor and the state’s Department of Labor are expected to strengthen their commitment to the safety and well-being of young workers.
“We all have a moral responsibility to protect our children and tackle exploitative labor practices,” Governor Hochul said. “For decades, New York State has led the nation in establishing child labor protections like limiting working hours on school nights and establishing minimum wage standards for minors. With the recent uptick in reports of child labor violations, these new measures will educate youth workers on their rights in the workplace and hold employers accountable, creating safer workplaces for all New Yorkers.”
The Department of Labor will now develop a new Child Labor Task Force, create an employer pledge program and then expand the Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs’ anti-trafficking work to then establish a Labor Trafficking Response Unit.
