Child Labour
Content
In 2002, the ILO studied cases of “child labor” or children’s work that was:
1) Under the Minimum Age
2) Hazardous to children 3) “Unconditional worst forms of child labor”
The study found:
246 Million Child Laborers
Nearly 70% were in hazardous work
ILO Standards on Hazardous Work
“Likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of children,” such as work involving: Forms of abuse Dangerous equipment or heavy loads Unhealthy environments Long hours, night work, unreasonable confinement Work underground, under water, at dangerous heights or in confined spaces
Mine Worker, Colombia, 1996
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Preparing Tobacco Leaves, Laos, 2000
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Metal Worker, India, 1995
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Match Factory Worker, India
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Domestic Servant, Nepal, 1985
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Domestic Servant, Senegal, 1996
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Garbage Picker, Philippines, 1990
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Child Prostitute
Photo courtesy of David Parker
Children Have Different Health and Safety Needs than Adults
• Rapid skeletal, organ, and tissue development through adolescence • Greater risk of hearing loss • Lower heat tolerance • Higher rates of chemical and lead absorption • Greater need for food and rest
Work tools and safety equipment are not designed for children.
Electroplate Worker, India, 1993
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Young workers may lack the experience and ability to assess risk…
Yet they often receive less supervision and training than adults!
Some studies of young workers in the U.S. suggest:
• 50% do not receive health and safety training at work. • Only 12% of an average young worker’s time is spent in the presence of a supervisor.
Working Children Have High Injury Rates
ILO surveys found:
Nearly 1 in 4 of the world’s working children suffer illness or injury at work
In the U.S., studies suggest:
Working youth have injury rates nearly twice as high as adults
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Lost Years of Healthy Life Due to Child Labor Fatalities and Disabilities
3
Total: 2.7 million healthy years of life lost each year
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0 Agriculture Mining Construction Manufacturing Services Retail
Rate per 100
Years Lost (Millions)
Source: ILO, Health Benefits of Eliminating Child Labour, 2003
Injury Rates By Sector for U.S. Working Youth
Fatalities by Sector Among U.S. Working Youth
Fatalities Linked to Violations of Child Labor Laws Company Fined after Death of Teenage Forklift Operator
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Source: HRnext
The U.S. Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division has fined the Newnan, Ga.-based Kaylex Company $11,000 following the June 2003 death of a 15-year-old forklift operator. Under the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the operations of a forklift is one of 17 hazardous occupations banned for youth under the age of 18. The $11,000 penalty is the maximum allowed under current law.
Beyond Injuries: Young Workers and Health
Low Intensity
(Under 20 Hours/Week) •Lower high school dropout rates •Complete more higher education
High Intensity
(Over 20 Hours/Week) •Higher high school dropout rates •Complete less higher education •Symptoms of sleep deprivation •Higher rate of alcohol, cigarette, drug use •Higher rate of delinquent behavior
Long-Term Health Risks of Child Labor
For Child Laborers:
• Growth Deficits • Poorer Adult Health
For Community Health:
• Risk of contagious disease increases under some forms of child labor
For Future Generations:
Maternal Education and Child Health • Child laborers are often denied education, esp. girls • Maternal illiteracy is associated with low birth weight and child malnutrition.
Poorest Children at Greatest Risk
• Children from low-income families are more likely to be engaged in high-risk occupations •Children with poverty-related health problems are at greater risk from workplace hazard exposure.
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
More Adults and Children Work in Agriculture than in any other Sector
1.3 Billion Workers (½ of World’s Workers)
•Most in Developing Countries •Nearly half are wage laborers
Harvesting Rice, Bali, Indonesia, 1999
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
•Agriculture accounts for about 70% of child labor
Agriculture Among Most Hazardous Occupations Worldwide
Of 330,000 fatal workplace accidents each year, 170,000 occur in agriculture.
Hazards include: Machinery and sharp tools Pesticide and agrochemical exposure Extreme temperatures Contact with animals, plants Lack of clean water, sanitation Heavy lifting, bending, repetitive work
Pesticide Risks Increase in Developing Countries
In 1991, developing countries used 20% of the world’s pesticides, but accounted for 99% of all cases of pesticide poisoning.
Agricultural Workers Often Lack Access to Health Care
Rural areas often lack health services Few agricultural employers provide health benefits
In the U.S., approximately 8% of all farm workers report receiving employer-provided health insurance
Rural Poverty is Growing Faster than Urban Poverty
Rural Poverty
Urban Poverty
Agricultural Workers Often Lack Legal Protections
In many countries, agriculture is partially or completely excluded from: •Occupational Safety and Health Regulations
(India, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Zimbabwe…)
•Social Security, Worker Compensation
Agriculture exclusions, or temporary or self-employed status
•Minimum Age Regulations
In over 40 countries, agricultural work is permitted at any age.
Even in the United States, Agriculture is Less Regulated
Under federal law, agricultural workers: •May be exempt from minimum wage •Are exempt from overtime pay •Are exempt from most OSHA standards •May be employed at younger ages, for hazardous and non-hazardous work •Are subject to fewer restrictions on work hours for youth under 16
Large Role of Family Farms in U.S. History
Year Farm Resident Population
(as % of U.S. total)
Avg. Acres per Farm
203 153 137 139 157 216 373 461
1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990
68.1% 50.5% 42.3% 34.9% 24.9% 15.3% 4.8% 1.9%
Sources: Bureau of the Census and “Protecting Youth at Work,” National Academy of Sciences, 1998
Recent Standard Targets “Worst Forms”
ILO Convention 182 Calls on nations to take “immediate and effective measures” to eliminate: • Child slavery • Child prostitution or pornography • Children in illicit activities (esp. drug) • Work likely to harm the health, safety, and morals of children
Campaigns for Global Labor Standards Demanding a Social Clause in Trade Rules
Working Toward Ratification and Enforcement of Convention 182
Raising Awareness
All India Trades Union Council
Members visited slate mines using child labor and mobilized support for a campaign against child labor
American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
Video and curriculum designed for students in the United States
Solidarity Across Borders
2001 Campaign to support Mexican garment workers 2002 Campaign to support Ecuador’s banana workers
Promoting Access to Education
Bangladesh Building and Woodworkers’ Federation and the Metal Workers’ Union:
Remove children from hazardous workplaces Enroll children in education and assistance programs
Global Campaign for Education
Coalition involving Teachers’ Unions, Global March Against Child Labor, Oxfam, and Action Aid
History’s Strategies Still Apply:
Union and Community Organizing Free Education for All Children Campaigns to Change Public Opinion Universal Minimum Standards
Collective Bargaining Strategies Brazil
The National Confederation of Workers in Agriculture Is Negotiating Contracts that:
Limit Child Labor Provide education for child workers Financial assistance for families of child laborers.
Global Agreements
International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine, and General Workers’ Unions signed a global agreement with Freudenberg that:
Protects Workers Rights Bans Child Labor
Codes of Conduct and Labeling
“Fair Trade” Certified Products
Rugmark “no child labor” labels
2000 Olympics Code of Conduct for Sponsors and Licensees
1) Under the Minimum Age
2) Hazardous to children 3) “Unconditional worst forms of child labor”
The study found:
246 Million Child Laborers
Nearly 70% were in hazardous work
ILO Standards on Hazardous Work
“Likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of children,” such as work involving: Forms of abuse Dangerous equipment or heavy loads Unhealthy environments Long hours, night work, unreasonable confinement Work underground, under water, at dangerous heights or in confined spaces
Mine Worker, Colombia, 1996
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Preparing Tobacco Leaves, Laos, 2000
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Metal Worker, India, 1995
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Match Factory Worker, India
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Domestic Servant, Nepal, 1985
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Domestic Servant, Senegal, 1996
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Garbage Picker, Philippines, 1990
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
Child Prostitute
Photo courtesy of David Parker
Children Have Different Health and Safety Needs than Adults
• Rapid skeletal, organ, and tissue development through adolescence • Greater risk of hearing loss • Lower heat tolerance • Higher rates of chemical and lead absorption • Greater need for food and rest
Work tools and safety equipment are not designed for children.
Electroplate Worker, India, 1993
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Young workers may lack the experience and ability to assess risk…
Yet they often receive less supervision and training than adults!
Some studies of young workers in the U.S. suggest:
• 50% do not receive health and safety training at work. • Only 12% of an average young worker’s time is spent in the presence of a supervisor.
Working Children Have High Injury Rates
ILO surveys found:
Nearly 1 in 4 of the world’s working children suffer illness or injury at work
In the U.S., studies suggest:
Working youth have injury rates nearly twice as high as adults
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
Lost Years of Healthy Life Due to Child Labor Fatalities and Disabilities
3
Total: 2.7 million healthy years of life lost each year
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0 Agriculture Mining Construction Manufacturing Services Retail
Rate per 100
Years Lost (Millions)
Source: ILO, Health Benefits of Eliminating Child Labour, 2003
Injury Rates By Sector for U.S. Working Youth
Fatalities by Sector Among U.S. Working Youth
Fatalities Linked to Violations of Child Labor Laws Company Fined after Death of Teenage Forklift Operator
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Source: HRnext
The U.S. Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division has fined the Newnan, Ga.-based Kaylex Company $11,000 following the June 2003 death of a 15-year-old forklift operator. Under the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the operations of a forklift is one of 17 hazardous occupations banned for youth under the age of 18. The $11,000 penalty is the maximum allowed under current law.
Beyond Injuries: Young Workers and Health
Low Intensity
(Under 20 Hours/Week) •Lower high school dropout rates •Complete more higher education
High Intensity
(Over 20 Hours/Week) •Higher high school dropout rates •Complete less higher education •Symptoms of sleep deprivation •Higher rate of alcohol, cigarette, drug use •Higher rate of delinquent behavior
Long-Term Health Risks of Child Labor
For Child Laborers:
• Growth Deficits • Poorer Adult Health
For Community Health:
• Risk of contagious disease increases under some forms of child labor
For Future Generations:
Maternal Education and Child Health • Child laborers are often denied education, esp. girls • Maternal illiteracy is associated with low birth weight and child malnutrition.
Poorest Children at Greatest Risk
• Children from low-income families are more likely to be engaged in high-risk occupations •Children with poverty-related health problems are at greater risk from workplace hazard exposure.
Photo courtesy of David Parker.
More Adults and Children Work in Agriculture than in any other Sector
1.3 Billion Workers (½ of World’s Workers)
•Most in Developing Countries •Nearly half are wage laborers
Harvesting Rice, Bali, Indonesia, 1999
Photo courtesy of International Labor Organization
•Agriculture accounts for about 70% of child labor
Agriculture Among Most Hazardous Occupations Worldwide
Of 330,000 fatal workplace accidents each year, 170,000 occur in agriculture.
Hazards include: Machinery and sharp tools Pesticide and agrochemical exposure Extreme temperatures Contact with animals, plants Lack of clean water, sanitation Heavy lifting, bending, repetitive work
Pesticide Risks Increase in Developing Countries
In 1991, developing countries used 20% of the world’s pesticides, but accounted for 99% of all cases of pesticide poisoning.
Agricultural Workers Often Lack Access to Health Care
Rural areas often lack health services Few agricultural employers provide health benefits
In the U.S., approximately 8% of all farm workers report receiving employer-provided health insurance
Rural Poverty is Growing Faster than Urban Poverty
Rural Poverty
Urban Poverty
Agricultural Workers Often Lack Legal Protections
In many countries, agriculture is partially or completely excluded from: •Occupational Safety and Health Regulations
(India, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Zimbabwe…)
•Social Security, Worker Compensation
Agriculture exclusions, or temporary or self-employed status
•Minimum Age Regulations
In over 40 countries, agricultural work is permitted at any age.
Even in the United States, Agriculture is Less Regulated
Under federal law, agricultural workers: •May be exempt from minimum wage •Are exempt from overtime pay •Are exempt from most OSHA standards •May be employed at younger ages, for hazardous and non-hazardous work •Are subject to fewer restrictions on work hours for youth under 16
Large Role of Family Farms in U.S. History
Year Farm Resident Population
(as % of U.S. total)
Avg. Acres per Farm
203 153 137 139 157 216 373 461
1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990
68.1% 50.5% 42.3% 34.9% 24.9% 15.3% 4.8% 1.9%
Sources: Bureau of the Census and “Protecting Youth at Work,” National Academy of Sciences, 1998
Recent Standard Targets “Worst Forms”
ILO Convention 182 Calls on nations to take “immediate and effective measures” to eliminate: • Child slavery • Child prostitution or pornography • Children in illicit activities (esp. drug) • Work likely to harm the health, safety, and morals of children
Campaigns for Global Labor Standards Demanding a Social Clause in Trade Rules
Working Toward Ratification and Enforcement of Convention 182
Raising Awareness
All India Trades Union Council
Members visited slate mines using child labor and mobilized support for a campaign against child labor
American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
Video and curriculum designed for students in the United States
Solidarity Across Borders
2001 Campaign to support Mexican garment workers 2002 Campaign to support Ecuador’s banana workers
Promoting Access to Education
Bangladesh Building and Woodworkers’ Federation and the Metal Workers’ Union:
Remove children from hazardous workplaces Enroll children in education and assistance programs
Global Campaign for Education
Coalition involving Teachers’ Unions, Global March Against Child Labor, Oxfam, and Action Aid
History’s Strategies Still Apply:
Union and Community Organizing Free Education for All Children Campaigns to Change Public Opinion Universal Minimum Standards
Collective Bargaining Strategies Brazil
The National Confederation of Workers in Agriculture Is Negotiating Contracts that:
Limit Child Labor Provide education for child workers Financial assistance for families of child laborers.
Global Agreements
International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine, and General Workers’ Unions signed a global agreement with Freudenberg that:
Protects Workers Rights Bans Child Labor
Codes of Conduct and Labeling
“Fair Trade” Certified Products
Rugmark “no child labor” labels
2000 Olympics Code of Conduct for Sponsors and Licensees
