Governor blasts feds’ fines against Iowa businesses for child labor violations

(story provided by Radio Iowa)

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says the needs and challenges of today’s workforce have changed — and the U-S Department of Labor is enforcing outdated child labor rules on Iowa businesses. Reynolds has released what she describes as an open letter to Iowans, criticizing federal fines being proposed against Iowa businesses that have employed minors beyond 7 p.m. on school nights. Reynolds signed a state law in 2023 that said 14 and 15 year olds could work until 9 p.m. during the school year and until 11 p.m. in the summertime. Reynolds says while the extra two hours of nighttime work looks like a sensible option to most Iowans, she says the federal government is treating it like a sinister plot. A spokesperson for the U-S Department of Labor says it is dangerous and irresponsible for Iowa’s governor and state legislature to undermine federal child labor protections amidst a rise in child labor exploitation in this country.