Statement by Edward J. McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers,
On Findings of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Inspector General
Regarding Wal-Mart and Child Labor Investigations

Note:  On Oct. 31, 2005, the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a report noting that a January 2005 agreement between DOL and Wal-Mart gave significant concessions to the nation’s largest retailer.  Among other favorable terms, the agreement promises Wal-Mart 15 days’ notice before DOL can inspect its stores for child labor violations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — All workers have a right to be protected from harm and exploitation on the job. But safeguards for young workers, the most vulnerable members of our society, should have to meet an even higher standard. That’s why the sweetheart deal between the U.S. Department of Labor and Wal-Mart is so appalling. 

Flagrant violations of child labor laws demand more than a slap on the wrist. But that’s all Wal-Mart got when it settled a DOL investigation of multiple violations of child labor laws by agreeing to pay $135,000 while refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing.  For a company with annual revenues exceeding $250 billion, the penalty was akin to fining the average American worker about three cents.  This agreement also gives the retailer 15 days’ notice before DOL inspectors can conduct future investigations.  This is not a responsible enforcement of the law, and will do little to stop future violations.

Sadly, DOL’s shortfalls in enforcing child labor laws extend far beyond its dealings with Wal-Mart.  There are an estimated 3.2 million workers under age 18 in the United States, but only 34 full-time DOL investigators to monitor and enforce child labor provisions.  And, while the allowable maximum fine for a child labor law violation is $11,000, the average fine imposed by DOL in this category last year was just $718.

Our government has a great deal more work to do to ensure that all Americans, and young people especially, are protected in the workplace.  At the same time, we all have a duty to ensure that school, not work, is the top priority in children’s lives.  Anything short of this mark is negligent and places these students’ and our nation’s future at risk.

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