Puzzling over why Wisconsin Public Radio headline conflates dangerous child labor practices with entry-level summer jobs for teens

 

Headline:  Wisconsin Public Radio, 5/23/2024

Even with more regulations than in past centuries, safety concerns around child labor today aren’t just a remnant of a bygone era. Last summer, Wisconsin made national headlines when a 16-year-old died from injuries sustained working at a northern Wisconsin sawmill. In September, the company was ordered to pay nearly $200,000 in fines for federal child labor violations. 

From 2018 to 2022, Wisconsin had the second-most federal child labor law violations among its neighbors, averaging 99 per year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois averaged 52.8 violations per year, Michigan averaged 260.4 and Minnesota averaged 39.6.  

[snip] 

Many of the teens joining Wisconsin’s labor force this summer will likely be working in restaurants. An estimated 1 in 3 Americans’ first job was in a restaurant, said Susan Quam, executive vice president of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. That’s why the association works with its member businesses to give them the resources to be good mentors to teens and comply with state and federal child labor laws, Quam said. 

“We’re a place where kids learn those soft skills — how to show up on time, how to take care of a uniform, all those different entry level skills — so we want to make sure that we provide that safe space for them,” she said.

Retiring Guy worked in restaurants throughout his high school and college years -- best training ground ever to learn practical life skills.  It helps you to become efficient in organizing your own life and comfortable working and interacting with others.   

Plus you have opportunities to met and becomes friends with people not ordinarily within your social circle.  It's a broadening experience.