Alicia Holsey Juli Doss Child Labor Coalition Alicia Holsey Juli Doss

Overview The Child Labor Problem Child Labor Characteristics Fair Labor Standards Act The Child Labor Coalition What We Can Do to Help

The Child Labor Problem The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines child labor as work that damages the health of a child, prevents school attendance or could block future growth and development The ILO estimates that at least 73 million children from 10-14 years old are employed worldwide

The Child Labor Problem Child labor can be found in a variety of industries Vast majority in agriculture, where they can be exposed to dangerous chemicals and equipment Others are street children, peddling or running errands to earn a living Some children are domestic workers, prostitutes, or factory workers These children have no chance of a real childhood or education Mainly a problem of developing countries

Job Characteristics and Why Poor treatment Underpayment Prolonged working hours Poor working environments Why? Reduces production costs Maximizes profits

Child Labor in the United States Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) Sets the minimum age for employment at 14 Limits the number of hours worked by minors under the age of 16 Prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous

Child Labor Coalition www.stopchildlabor.org

What Is CLC? THE CHILD LABOR COALITION (CLC), ESTABLISHED IN 1989, IS A GROUP OF MORE THAN 30 ORGANIZATIONS WHOSE COMMON GOAL IS TO ACHIEVE CLC’S MISSION: TO CONTINUE TO CAMPAIGN FOR AN END TO CHILD LABOR WORLDWIDE AND TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH, SAFETY, EDUCATION, AND WELL-BEING OF WORKING MINORS BOTH IN THE UNITED STATES AND ABROAD

CLC’S PRIMARY CONCERNS Protecting Working Minors Ending Child Labor Exploitation Developing Public Education to Combat Child Labor Abuses

Why does CLC exist? Serves as a national network for the exchange of information about Child Labor Educates the public to bring about understanding to the nature of Child Labor Exploitation Gets the government’s attention Act in a timely manner Ratify and enforce the International Labor Organization and United Nations Conventions that affect child labor

Getting the Public Involved CLC-Sponsored Campaigns Getting the Public Involved 2000-  RUGMARK: Restoring Childhood (2000 Consumer Campaign) Develop a list of retailers in your city or community (store name and complete address) who sell handmade carpets. Handmade carpets are often called hand-knotted, hand-loomed, or hand-tufted. You could find retailers in the yellow pages of your telephone book -- usually under the heading "carpets.” Mail the RUGMARK pre-printed postcard to all the stores on your list. 2002- World Cup Fans: Who's Making Those Soccer Balls? Concerned soccer fans could download a flyer that was distributed at a World Cup Match and sign and send a postcard to the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), calling for immediate action in the fight against child labor. Ongoing- “Stop Sweatshops Campaign” The coalition advises others, along with Co-op America, to get involved by demanding sweatshop free products where you shop, looking for the union label on the clothing you buy, and purchasing Fair Trade products, which is an economic system that ensures healthy working conditions, self-determination, and fair wages for workers.

What We Can Do to Help Raise Awareness We need to raise awareness of the child labor issue across campus and get students involved On World Day Against Child Labor (June 12, 2007), the Clayton State cheerleaders will do a routine on campus promoting the end of child labor During the routine, they will wear T-shirts that say “got kids?” on the front and www.stopchildlabor.org on the back We can also pass out Child Labor Coalition fliers to the students with information about child labor, ways to ensure they buy child-labor-free items, and how to get involved

What We Can Do to Help Raise Money This events gives us an opportunity to raise money! By selling the “got kids?” T-shirts, we can raise money and spread the word about child labor We can sell hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, etc. All profits will be donated to CLC in Clayton State University’s name

+ + got kids? = Child Labor Awareness and Donation to CLC

Questions?