Branstad asks for more commenting time on new federal child labor laws

Gov. Terry Branstad and Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey have asked the U.S. Department of Labor to extend the commenting period on new child labor laws that could impact family farming operations in Iowa and throughout the nation.

As The Iowa Independent reported in September, the DOL proposed rule change (the first since 1970) is intended to “strengthen the safety requirements for young workers employed in agriculture and related fields” and is expected to bring such occupations more in line with restrictions that already exist for young workers in non-ag-related jobs.

Although the rule continues a current exemption for children working on family-owned farms, a spokesperson from the National Council of Agricultural employers is skeptical. Many family farms have legally moved from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company, which means the definition used by the exemption may not hold. In essence, youth would not be working directly for their parents or relatives, but for the company.

Branstad and Northey believe the regulations will discourage farmers from engaging young people in agriculture, which has been an ongoing initiative at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and will prevent future farmers from acquiring the skills and experience needed for a career in agriculture.

“These new, over-reaching regulations will prevent young people from learning through supervised hands-on experience and obtaining life-long values,” Branstad said. “The federal government should not construct further employment barriers at a time when there are fewer job opportunities available for young people.”

Northey added, “We need more young farmers in Iowa to carry on our agricultural traditions.”

The pair has asked the DOL to increase the commenting period by 45 days to Jan. 15, 2012.

A copy of the letter is embedded below.

Branstad, Northey correspondence to DOL