Wisconsin Lawmakers have introduced a proposal that would eliminate the need for work permits for 14- and 15-year-olds in the state. If passed, the bill could have a big impact on the workforce across the state.
Here’s Five Fast Facts …… :
- ⚖️ I Promise - The bill is sponsored by three lawmakers who say work permits are slowing down the hiring process. It would require employers to keep their own records of ages and hours worked. Without authorized work permits, violators can pull the old “She said she was 18” bit.
- 🧒 It’s Happening - There’s a reason for concern. Earlier this year, a Wisconsin meat packing contractor was fined more than $1.5M for hiring 100 children, some of them 13 years old, to clean dangerous equipment across the U.S.
- 🍺 Have a Beer - Not to be outdone, another bill was proposed earlier this year that would allow children as young as 14 to serve alcohol in restaurants and bars. There’s no word if the bill expects a tip before voting on it.
- 📈 Trending - These bills follow a nationwide trend of eliminating laws and requirements that prevent kids from working longer hours and in hazardous jobs.
- 📉 Werk It - Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is 2.4%, the lowest it’s been in at least 20 years. People are working, just maybe not for companies with poor pay and/or bad benefits. People want to work, they just don’t want to work for pennies.
🔥Bottom line: Connect the dots here. Raises are not happening at most jobs. Folks are getting wise to it and taking their talents elsewhere. Instead of learning from it, some companies want to hire kids who see dollar signs. Are there better solutions?
What do you think of these bills?
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