As labor shortages continue to plague the ag industry, lawmakers in Iowa are examining ways to solve the problem by relaxing child labor laws.
Legislators in the Hawkeye State have presented a bill that would allow teenagers, as young as the age of 14, to earn wages in the meatpacking facility. As long as they are participating in work-based learning.
The legislation would allow them to work in and around industrial freezers, meat coolers, and laundry services but they must stay away from areas where meat is being prepared. the bill also states their work schedule should never interfere with their education and adequate supervision must be provided at all times.
Minnesota lawmakers have offered up similar legislation that would allow 16 and 17 year old’s to work construction jobs.
