LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (OSV News) — In a legislative development that has drawn concern from both Catholic and labor leaders, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Ark., signed into law March 8 the Youth Hiring Act of 2023, which eliminates state age verification for children younger than 16 seeking a job.
Arkansas law previously stipulated the Arkansas Department of Labor issue an official employment certificate for minors under 16 seeking to work, which included parental or guardian permission, a job description and schedule — measures that were considered a deterrent to potential child labor law violators.
Sanders’ office noted that all existing Arkansas child labor laws still apply, and businesses are expected to observe them.
However, prior to the signing of the Youth Hiring Act of 2023, Arkansas was one of eight states where the U.S. Department of Labor discovered children as young as 13 working at two meat-packing plants: George’s Inc. in Batesville, Ark., and Tyson in Green Forest, Ark..
“The Diocese of Little Rock is concerned about the exploitation of children and youth under the age of 16 to perform dangerous jobs, often in hazardous work conditions,” Dennis Lee, the diocesan chancellor for administrative affairs, said. The diocese encompasses the entire state of Arkansas and is led by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor.
“Arkansas had a reasonable, non-burdensome law on its books that required employers to first procure and keep on file a work certificate before permitting a minor...
The Dangote Group has become aware of a publication titled “Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu,” which is false, malicious, and baseless. At no time did the Pre...