Child labor is not a relic of the past; it's a harsh reality of the present. Across the United States, children as young as 12 are forced into dangerous and exhausting jobs, often violating child labor laws. Child labor is not just an issue of ethics but a violation of their fundamental human rights.

Despite the progress made over the past eight decades to protect children from labor exploitation, there is a growing movement to weaken these protections. Several states have introduced or enacted legislation to loosen child labor laws, endangering children's lives and distracting them from their education and extracurricular activities.

This is a direct attack on the safety and well-being of our children. Tragic incidents, such as the death of a 16-year-old boy in a sawmill accident in Wisconsin, highlight the urgent need for action.

The Department of Labor identified over 3,800 cases of child labor violations in the 2022 fiscal year, the highest level of incidents since 2008. These violations are not limited to small businesses but involve major corporations such as McDonald's franchisees and automotive suppliers.

We must not stand by as our children are exploited. U.S. Representatives Dan Kildee and Hillary Scholten have launched a task force to advance legislation combating child labor. This initiative is a step in the right direction, but we need your support to ensure these efforts succeed.

Our children are the future of our nation and deserve to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. We must protect them from exploitation and ensure their right to a childhood.

Sign the petition to Congress: Protect our children–Reinforce child labor laws.