Statement by Antonia Cortese
Executive Vice President, American Federation of Teachers
on Teen Workplace Safety and The Youth Worker Protection Act

Note:  AFT’s Antonia Cortese is co-chair of the Child Labor Coalition (CLC), which today released a report titled:  "Protecting Working Children in the United States:  Is the Government’s Indifference to the Safety and Health of Working Children Violating an International Treaty?" Also earlier today, Cortese spoke at a press conference announcing the release of the CLC report and supporting the introduction of The Youth Worker Protection Act by U. S. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.).

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Every year, 230,000 teens are injured in the workplace.  Every five days, one of them dies on the job.  America needs to do a better job when it comes to child safety.  Clearly, we have a long a way to go. 

The Youth Worker Protection Act is a solid step in the right direction. This legislation addresses many important challenges by strengthening workplace protections for teens.  It also would help students to make education their top priority, which in turn would prepare them for better jobs.

Today’s America is very different from the nation of 1938, when the Fair Labor Standards Act was first adopted.  There are more students in our nation’s schools than ever, and a there is a greater number of jobs held by teenage workers.  And, with higher academic standards at the forefront of the national agenda, even greater emphasis should be placed on educational achievement. 

If we are serious about our children’s success, then we should make sure they spend most of their time in school, not on the job.  And when they are in the workplace, they must be protected from harm and exploitation.

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