-
New England Unions Condemn Child Labor
The New England Association of Farmers, Mechanics and Other Workingmen resolve that “Children should not be allowed to labor in the factories from morning till night, without any time for healthy recreation and mental culture.” They said "for it endangers their well-being and health.” These men made such a big change in the way the children were treated by voicing their opinions. -
Age Limits on Cruelty
Massachusetts passed a law stating that chidren under the age of 15 who are working in factories, must attend school at least 3 months out of the year. As you could imagine this was a big step. This was the first state law that limited child labor. -
Limiting Work Days
Massachusetts limits children’s work days to 10 hours. Other states soon pass similar laws, unfortunately most of these laws are not consistently enforced. Some states just dont listen. -
New York Unions Support
The New York labor movement successfully sponsors legislation prohibiting cigar making where thousands of young children work in the trade. People are stepping up and making a change. Supporters soon follow the lead of the Unions. -
Democratic Party Supports
The Democratic party openly supports banning factory employment for children under the age of 15.Democratic Party adopts platform plank based on union recommendations to ban factory employment for children under 15. Finally, things start to change. -
National Child Labor Committee Forms
The National Child Labor Commitee forms with the intention of reforming the federal laws regarding child labor. Aggressive national campaign for federal child labor law reform begins. Things cahnge for the labored children. -
Walsh-Healey Act
Also known as the Federal Purchasing Law, states that the U.S. government will not purchase goods made by underage children. For many, forcing them to stop child labor. Still is not a law to completely ban child labor. -
Fair Labor Standards Act
Originally established a minimum wage, overtime pay, equal pay, recordkeeping and child labor standards. Children under the age of 16 could not work in industrial jobs. Children ages 14 and 15 had major restrictions on work hours during a school week. -
Youth Employment Demonstration Projects Act
This act provided an expansion of training and youth programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. This included the Jobs Corps. In order to meet the needs of young, unemployed, underemployed or low income persons between the ages 16 and 21. -
Job Training Partnership Act
The law was enacted to establish federal assistance programs to prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry into the labor force. This provides job training to economically disadvantaged and other individuals facing serious barriers to employment. This is one step closer to help reduce and completely stop child labor. -
Signing of Convention 182
Convention Number 182 – "the Convention Concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor around the World." This signing finally ended child labor. Children are free to live their lives as normal children.
