Illinois AFL-CIO stands behind state’s updated child labor regulations

(The Center Square) – For the first time in more than a century, Illinois has updated the state’s child labor regulations, a move the AFL-CIO applauds.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3646 with additional working conditions for children 15 or younger, among them outlawing minors from working more than 18 hours per school week and over 40 hours during weeks when school is out. The new guidelines also add such industries as cannabis dispensaries, live adult entertainment businesses, gambling establishments and gun ranges to the list of workplaces off limits to them.

Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea insists the timing for all the changes couldn’t be better.

“Labor was very happy to see this bill signed,” Drea told The Center Square. “The old law was written in the industrial revolution and it was industrial based law. They tried to amend it and make it fit into a service economy and it just wasn’t working anymore. It was conflicting and it was contradictory in places. This was a long time coming.”

As chief sponsor of the bill, state Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, said lawmakers were motivated to act because of the growing number of states seeking to relax such laws as the workforce has struggled to fully rebound in the aftermath of the pandemic.

SB3646 also establishes new penalties for violations of the statute, including outlining that if a child dies on the job and the employer is found to be in violation, fines of up to $60,000 can be imposed. In cases where a child is injured, the fine can reach $30,000.

Drea said Illinois AFL-CIO closely worked with top state officials in crafting the bill and he is now hoping to see other states follow suit.

“I think it balances the needs for families that need the additional income, yet makes sure that kids are still going to school,” he said. “They’re getting off at 9 at night so they can go home, get a good night’s sleep and then be ready to go to school in the morning. Some states don’t have an ending time, kids work until midnight, and then try to go to school and stay awake in class. We think this bill really balances work and school in a way that a student can excel at both.”

While part of Illinois’ new law went into effect with Pritzker’s signature, other parts are set to kick in on Jan. 1.