Democrats seek data on ‘oppressive child labor’ amid rise in reports of US abuses

Exclusive: senior House members write letter seeking information on child labor violations in federally funded programs

Two senior members of Congress have asked the acting secretary of labor, Julie Su, for information and data on child labor violations and protections in federally subsidized youth work programs amid a rise in reports of labor abuses against minors, according to a letter obtained by the Guardian.

Child labor violations have been on the rise in the US in recent years as eight states so far in 2024 have passed legislation to roll back child labor protections, though elected officials in 24 states have introduced bills to strengthen child labor protections.