Progressive or Conservative

[Benton]

(09-18-2015, 09:59 AM)StLucieBengal Wrote: Why does the Asian family here have to hide the fact their young kids work the cash register at their restaurant?   That's ridiculous.   Kids should be able to work any family business without any limitations.

Because.... that's not agricultural.



Really, though, two things. First, there should be limitations. Working a cash register isn't such a big deal. But "without any limitations" takes on a different meaning in coal mines, strip clubs and munitions plants. Some basic safety is needed there that no limitations doesn't allow for.

Second, as Fred mentions below, it's up to the state. Which I thought you were in favor of. If Florida has strict child labor laws, try a Democrat run state like Kentucky. You can have employees here 14 years of age or older, whether they're family or not. You can have them under 14 provided it's part of a school sanctioned learning experience.

(09-18-2015, 11:17 AM)fredtoast Wrote: So how exactly do they hide this fact.  Do they have the cash register behind a wall so no one can see who is running it?

Most state laws allow children over 13 to work in family businesses.  The only requirements are that the child is still getting an education, is in safe working conditions, is under adult supervision, and is being properly reported for tax purposes.

And that's just the legally part. You mention a Chinese restaurant. I've got two in my area where the family participates. Somtimes the kids ring up the register, sometimes they bring out the food. Sometimes they're just there doing homework. It's not the same as child labor in the 1800s where kids were working in coal mines 12 hours a day.