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Department of Labor to 'Re-propose' Farm Child Labor Rules
February 1, 2012
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that they will "re-propose" rules governing youth workers on farms and ranches because of the comments individuals and organizations made on the merits of the proposed rules. Several lawmakers in Washington also weighed in and urged the department to abandon certain rules that would hurt agriculture.
The Department of Labor had proposed rules that would prevent some youth from doing certain tasks on the farm unless they were the child of the farm owner, and limit young people under 16 from performing certain jobs.
"It's great news that they've made the decision to take another look at these proposed rules and take more public input," said SDFU President Doug Sombke. "Agriculture is an occupation that is passed down from generation to generation, and youth need the opportunity to learn and experience the jobs that they will one day likely take over."
According to a U.S. Department of Labor press release, the agency recognizes "the unique attributes of farm families and rural communities." The department will take more comments and inputs from the public and organizations during the re-proposal process and find ways that they can comply with statutory requirements to protect children while respecting rural traditions.
The department said the new portion of the rule is expected to be published for public comment by early summer.
Last Modified: 02-1-2012-15:07:15
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