PRINTER'S NO. 2643
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
547
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY ZIMMERMAN, MILLARD, ROTHMAN, JONES, PYLE,
YOUNGBLOOD, MOUL, CALTAGIRONE, BERNSTINE, KEEFER, MENTZER AND
DeLUCA, OCTOBER 11, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND INDUSTRY, OCTOBER 11, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Congress of the United States and the United States
Secretary of Labor to review the child labor provisions of
the Fair Labor Standards Act and the occupational
restrictions issued under the act and take action to increase
employment and training opportunities for youth workers.
WHEREAS, Employers in this Commonwealth have consistently
complained about the inability to find qualified workers and the
"skills gap"; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that the next generation of workers
be prepared to enter the workforce to fill available family-
sustaining job openings; and
WHEREAS, Entry into the workforce, on-the-job training and
pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs are some of the
most effective ways for younger workers to learn soft and hard
job skills; and
WHEREAS, Many workers involved in skilled trades and
occupations, such as carpentry, electrical work, other
construction trades and manufacturing occupations, are
approaching retirement and younger workers are not entering the
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same occupations quickly enough to replace retiring workers; and
WHEREAS, The occupational standards set by the United States
Secretary of Labor restrict youth participation and training in
many of the occupations and trades most in need of new workers;
and
WHEREAS, Advances in industrial technology and best practices
in workplace safety have made tangible improvements in the
safety of all workers; and
WHEREAS, Many youths regularly participate in athletics and
other extracurricular activities that exceed the hours
limitations which apply to youths participating in the
workforce; and
WHEREAS, Occupational hours restrictions can make employers
hesitant to provide job opportunities to youth workers,
particularly youths 14 or 15 years of age, who may only work
three hours per school day and cannot work past 7:00 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, Federal and State child labor standards place
restrictions on the hours that may be worked by minors of
different ages and the occupations in which minors can be
employed; and
WHEREAS, There would be little impact to opportunities for
youth workers from child labor reforms enacted by the General
Assembly because the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act
would still apply to the vast majority of employers, even if
Pennsylvania law provides more flexibility to youth workers; and
WHEREAS, The economy of this Commonwealth and the United
States will benefit from workers with better training and more
job experience; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the Congress
of the United States and the United States Secretary of Labor to
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conduct a review of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor
Standards Act and the occupational restrictions issued under the
act and take action to increase employment and training
opportunities for youth workers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge Congress and
the Secretary of Labor to consider the current and future
workforce needs in this Commonwealth and the United States and
take action to increase employment, apprenticeship and training
opportunities for youth workers in a manner that does not
compromise their health or safety; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the presiding officers of each House of Congress, each member of
Congress from Pennsylvania and the United States Secretary of
Labor.
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