Child labor violations are rising — and Republicans are rolling back protections
New reporting shows child labor violations are rising across the U.S. This isn’t a story from a century ago. It’s this year.
Here’s the turn: instead of cracking down, Republican leaders are rolling back protections while violations climb, as The Guardian reports. That choice puts kids at risk and lets bad bosses off the hook.
Protect kids, not donors.
What does this mean for your town? More pressure to slot teens into dangerous, low-paid work. Less power for adults to push back when the rules get bent. And fewer watchdogs on the job. In Florida, Republicans pushed laws that make it far harder for public-sector unions to survive — raising membership thresholds, banning paycheck dues, and setting a high bar that can decertify teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers, while exempting police and fire unions. That weakens the very people who flag abuse and fight for safe standards.
This hasn’t been organic either. Emails show a right-wing group fed talking points to a Florida GOP lawmaker backing an anti-union bill. That’s coordinated messaging to kneecap worker power, right as child labor violations rise.
You don’t have to be a Democrat to see the problem. If your party won’t protect kids and honest work, walk away in 2026.
Send this to one moderate voter who still thinks this is normal politics.
- Send this to one moderate voter who still thinks this is normal politics.
- Ask your state rep to oppose rollbacks of child labor and workplace protections.
- Vote in 2026 to remove officials who weaken worker safeguards.
- Check your voter registration at Vote.gov
Countdown
The 2026 midterms are in 61 days.
References
Child labor violations rise in US – as Republicans still roll back protections – The Guardian — Mar 23, 2026
Emails show right-wing group gave talking points to Florida GOP lawmaker on anti-union bill – Orlando Weekly — Mar 13, 2026
Florida Republican bill targeting public sector labor unions moves to full Senate – Florida Phoenix — Mar 2, 2026