Governor Hochul Announces New Measures to Combat Rise in Child Labor Violations and Labor Trafficking

Statement

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new efforts to combat child labor violations and labor trafficking in New York State. In light of a significant 68 percent spike in reports of child labor violations in 2022 in New York State, Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Labor are strengthening their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of youth workers. This follows the New York State Department of Labor's recent campaign to educate young workers on their rights in the workplace. The New York State Department of Labor will also develop a new Child Labor Task Force, create an employer pledge program and expand the Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs' anti-trafficking work to establish a Labor Trafficking Response Unit.

"We all have a moral responsibility to protect our children and tackle exploitative labor practices," Governor Hochul said. "For decades, New York State has led the nation in establishing child labor protections like limiting working hours on school nights and establishing minimum wage standards for minors. With the recent uptick in reports of child labor violations, these new measures will educate youth workers on their rights in the workplace and hold employers accountable, creating safer workplaces for all New Yorkers."

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