This happened in New South Wales, in a very rural area. People are not going to commute out to this remote location for minimum wage.
Kids volunteer on the weekends and parents sign off on it.
Some of the kids like it because they don’t have anything else to do, they learn a job skill, and they make a little money.
That said, I don’t agree with it. Hire adults and do what everyone else does by having a “bring your child to work day/week” if you want to teach kids. Or make a field trip. Let’s not go backwards in society to benefit companies.
I made this exact argument yesterday on the shit hole formerly known as Reddit, and of course got nothing but backlash from angry neck beards who think everyone should be allowed to pull themselves up by their bootstraps at the age of 11.
Some facts to consider:
That said, I don’t agree with it. Hire adults and do what everyone else does by having a “bring your child to work day/week” if you want to teach kids. Or make a field trip. Let’s not go backwards in society to benefit companies.
I grew up in a poor rural area, and we had a bunch of child labor due to agriculture exceptions.
Most of it wasn’t kids earning a “life skill” or pocket money. It was poor kids who had to work. And usually their parents worked there too.
And they only need to be 12 for it to be legal.
The families need the kids to work, but the kids working inflates the labor pool and keeps wages low.
If a kids like 16 and wants to pick up a part time job, cool.
But little kids shouldn’t be holding down jobs.
I made this exact argument yesterday on the shit hole formerly known as Reddit, and of course got nothing but backlash from angry neck beards who think everyone should be allowed to pull themselves up by their bootstraps at the age of 11.
“minimum wage” <- thars yer prooblem
“Well if we pay much more than that, it will dip into OUR profit! What are we supposed to do, just make less money?!”
Can’t spell “minimum wage” without “minimum age!”
They might commute if it was easy and cheaper than what they’re paid. You want workers, make it worth their while.
How many hours. If it’s 2 or less per week I’m fine with it.