LePage signs bill to ease child labor restrictions

[ccharles000]

AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has signed into law a bill to ease Maine's child labor restrictions so teenagers can work longer hours.

The bill signed today by the governor will allow students to work as many as 24 hours rather than the 20 per week under current law. It also increases from four to six the number of hours students can work on school days. Students can work as late as 10:15 p.m. on nights before school.

Supporters said the new law helps businesses looking for youthful help, and also helps teenagers who need the money.

http://www.kjonline.com/news/Bill-signed-to-ease-Maine-child-labor-restrictions-.html

[mikehiggins]

1. weighted headline

what an interesting way to label this story. Are child labor laws restrictive? Are they in need of easing? What does history show?

Oh, that's right. History shows that in absence of protective legislation children are considered just more, albeit smaller, economic units ready and deserving to be chewed up and spit out for the benefit of the owners.

If history is not your strong suit, take a look at some of our "trading partners" and how child labor is handled there.

This is a horrendous betrayal of our American ideals and LePage should be roundly condemned along with any legislator who voted in favor of it. I'd guess they were mainly GOPukes but that's just a guess as far as I know.

[Maine_Nurse]

2. Well actually Maine's labor laws were more restrictive than

many states, including some other New England states. Most of this state is rural and very poor. Many teens work to pay for their own clothes, school supplies, and even to help with food and living expenses for the family. This might actually help keep some teens from having to work "under the table" with no protections in our agricultural areas.

[cali]

4. could you please link to evidence that Maine's child labor laws were more restrictive

than many other states? thanks.

[Brickbat]

3. Whoops, there's an error there.

"Supporters said the new law helps businesses looking for youthful cheap help..."

There. Better.

[Maine_Nurse]

5. Well, if you want to look them up...

The federal laws are more lenient in terms of hours per day and week, not placing restrictions on 16 and 17 year-olds work hours. Some states simply align with federal law. Other states have varying restrictions based on age and school. Vermont is more lenient that Maine, Ma is equal or more lenient than Maine, etc. Even the new law is more restrictive than some states and the feds. That part wasn't a point of contention by either side.