Fix Iowa’s child labor law

A new state law loosening child labor restrictions runs counter to federal law, according to U.S. Department of Labor officials in a letter to Iowa Democratic lawmakers. Iowa employers must now figure out how to navigate these contradictory laws or face potential penalties.

Republicans who control the Legislature approved a series of changes to child labor laws, including longer hours for teenage workers, allowing teens over 16 to serve alcohol in restaurants and permitting young employees to work jobs previously considered dangerous, so long as they are part of training program.

Federal Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda and Wage and Hour Division Principal Deputy Administrator Jessica Looman argue that Iowa law changes allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to operate power-driven machines and engage in heavy manufacturing and demolition work violate federal law. Also, education or apprenticeship aren’t in the Iowa law required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or with a state agency.

Supporters of loosening rules contend the new Iowa law is being misrepresented. They also argue that parts of Iowa labor law already conflict with federal law.

Those are weak excuses. Federal law is federal law, and it provides a floor of child labor protections. States can build upon that floor by adopting additional protections, but they can’t weaken the floor by passing weaker state laws. That’s true for every state, whether its run by Republicans or Democrats.

And, again, it’s not state lawmakers taking the risk. Many Iowa employers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act and are expected to follow federal rules. If those businesses choose to follow Iowa’s weaker laws, they could be penalized by federal officials. At the very least, these employers will need to pay for legal advice on how to proceed.

It’s also likely that passing such a high-profile child labor protection rollback will draw added scrutiny for federal officials. Federal-state discrepancies previously ignored may no longer be allowed to slide.

So lawmakers should change the law so it matches federal rules. Iowa’s labor shortage can’t be fixed by making working conditions more dangerous for children.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com