Child Labor in the United States

On November 1, 2005 there was an article printed in the New York Times entitled Labor Dept. Is Rebuked Over Pact With Wal-Mart. Apparently labor investigators had a rather corrupt agreement with Wal-Mart Stores. The labor investigators would give the Wal-Mart store 15 days' notice before they would inspect its stores for child labor violations. The inspector general criticized the agreement by saying the inspectors made "significant concessions" to Wal-Mart without obtaining anything in return. They made this agreement in January after 85 child labor violations were found at Wal-Mart stores in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Arkansas. In exchange for this agreement the Wal-Mart stores basically just agreed to do what was reuired of them by law.

The height of child labor in the United States lasted from 1908-1912. During this time many children as old as twelve did not know how to read, write, or even recite the ABC's. Many of these children also devloped illnesses and diseases from the working conditions they were subjected to. Child Labor Laws were invented for a reason. This reason is to protect children and their future. If these laws are not followed the future of America and its citizens looks very grim. But even so, these laws are nothing unless there is someone to enforce them. This is why the labor investigators have a very important job to do and they must do it. The future of the United States could depend upon it.