Ending Child Labor

Unions and grassroots groups are increasingly recognizing direct connections between worker rights and the fight against child labor. Recognizing child labor as a violation of children's and workers' rights, trade unions are joining with families and community organizations to combat child labor, to move children out of work and into school, and to support core labor standards. Historically and in todays global economy:

strong unions are an important protection against child labor when parents are able to improve conditions through effective unions, children are much less likely to have to work active struggles against child labor tend to strengthen unions and workers rights in general

Many workers and unions in the U.S. and other countries are supporting efforts to end child labor by forging alliances with unions in other countries. These alliances work to achieve enforceable global labor standards, such as ILO Convention 182, and hold transnational companies accountable for labor practices.

Historys Strategies Still Apply:

Union and Community Organizing Free Education for All Children Campaigns to Change Public Opinion Universal Minimum Standards

Examples of Effective Child Labor Solidarity

Global March against Child Labor

Supporting workers struggles to organize unions and reject child labor

In 2001 factory monitors confirmed illegal unionbusting and other violationsincluding employment of 13-15 year-old childrenat a Mexican factory sewing clothing with university logos for Nike and other U.S. companies. Thousands of American students, workers, and consumers wrote letters to corporate CEOs protesting worker treatment. The international solidarity campaign helped factory workers overcome violence, intimidation, and mass firings when they tried to organize, and after months of struggle, workers won an independent union. In 2002, as news of child labor abuses and attacks on workers in Ecuadors banana plantations spread around the world, workers, consumers, and students contacted Los Alamos plantation owner Alvaro Noboa to demand that he recognize the workers union and cease using illegal child labor. Presidents of the AFL-CIO, the International Union of Food and Allied Workers (IUF), the Teamsters, and many other labor leaders also issued letters in support of Los Alamos workers struggle.

Campaigning for institutions to adopt and enforce codes of conduct

When the 2000 Olympics were held in Sydney, Australia, Australian labor federations created and

signed an agreement with the Olympic organizing committee requiring all sponsors and licensees to adhere to minimum labor standards, including international conventions on child labor. Pressure from human rights groups, consumers, and international trade unions led the group overseeing the World Cup (FIFAFederation Internationale de Football Association) to adopt a Code in 1998 stating it would cease using soccer balls made with child labor. This year, when reports indicated that children were still working in the soccer ball industry and that adult workers were not being paid a living wage, activists launched a new publicity and letter-writing campaign, mobilizing soccer fans, consumers, and politicians to demand FIFA improve factory monitoring and live up to the promises in its Code.

Implementing and supporting fair trade or labeling initiatives

Through programs developed by non-profit organizations, export goods like coffee or cocoa can now be certified as Fair Trade products if producers adhere to basic labor standardsincluding ILO conventions on child laborand pay farmers fair prices so families can meet basic living needs without having children work for wages. Groups like TransFair USA and others help to publicize Fair Trade initiatives and educate consumers about Fair Trade products.

When the use of child labor in the rug-making industries of Pakistan and India gained international publicity in

the 1990s, consumer groupsbuilding on the history of effective union label initiativesworked with manufacturers to begin phasing out the use of child labor and licensing companies to use no child labor labels if production facilities were regularly inspected by independent monitors. The resulting RUGMARK label program, now known as "GOODWEAVE", uses licensing fees to fund monitoring programs and education and rehabilitation for children removed from carpet jobs. Consumer groups and unions play a role in educating the public about the label program and ensuring it maintains strict standards for licensed companies.

Using collective bargaining strategies

The International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers Unions (ICEM) signed in 2000 and recently renewed a global agreement with the multinational Freudenberg corporation, which owns chemical and rubber manufacturing plants all over the world. Freudenberg is headquartered in Germany/Japan, but the agreement covers all Freudenberg workers in the U.S. and 40 other countries. Among other recognitions of workers rights, the agreement commits Freudenberg to a ban on child labour according to the definitions included in ILO Convention 138.

Promoting global labor standards in trade agreements

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions continues to propose adding a social clause covering seven core labor standards, including prohibitions on child labor, to WTO rules governing international trade; this proposal has so far been rejected by WTO leaders.

Garment Workers at a Union Solidarity Center Meeting

Cambodia Trade agreements between the U.S. and Cambodia have successfully included incentives for garment manufacturers to improve factory working conditions. Agreements require factory owners to respect core labor standards, including eliminating child labor and respecting workers rights to organize unions and collectively bargain.

Filing suit against corporations for labor rights abuses abroad

The International Labor Rights Fund and other groups have begun pursuing legal action against companies for alleged labor abuses in other countries. In 1996, for example, ILRF filed a suit against Unocal for using slave labor to build pipelines in Burma; and with the support of U.S. labor unions, ILRF recently filed a suit against Coca-Cola for using paramilitary forces to suppress organizing and assassinate union leaders in Colombia (these suits are still pending). If effective, this strategy could be used in the future to hold transnational corporations accountable for child labor abuses.

Promoting access to education

Increasing childrens access to public education is a fundamental strategy for ending child labor. An example of promoting access to education is the Bangladesh Building and Woodworkers Federation and the Metal Workers Union that seeks to remove children from hazardous workplaces and enroll children in education and assistance programs. On a larger scale, the Global Campaign for Education is a coalition involving teachers unions, Global March Against Child Labor, Oxfam, and Action Aid.

What Can You Do To Stop Child Laboure14

CommentsSociety Child labour in housing societies is not unusual. In fact, as per the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, more than 40% of domestic help in Mumbai (more popularly known as City of Dreams) are under-15 girls. As a co-founder and committee member of Sambhav We Can Make a Difference, I decided to take up this issue and raise a voice against employment of children in homes. Later, Sambhavites unanimously decided to organize Say No to Child Labour Campaign on June 12, which also happens to be World Anti-Child Labour Day. As we were discussing our action plan for June 12, our family, friends and neighbours asked us a range of questions on the existing rules, penalties, reporting procedures, after-effects of removing a child labourer from work, etc. It is at this point, that we decided to draft a section on general FAQs related to child labour, which can be circulated through electronic mediums. The FAQs are as follows:1. Why fighting against child labour is important?

India has the highest number of child labourers in the world. Of the child labour force, 86% do not receive any education. (Source: CRY website). When children are employed they are exploited and abused. It affects their heath as well as overall development since they are deprived of their education and recreation.

2. Why child labour in housing societies?

Child labor in housing societies is rampant. In fact, more than 40% of domestic help in Mumbai are under-15 girls [Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report]. In October, 2006, government announced penalties for the employers of child labourers in houses, shops, restaurants, etc. Housing Society Bye Laws, (governed by the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960), were recently amended to ban child labor in the housing societys. It provides that a society should ensure that children below the age of 14 are not working on the societys premises, including in any flat. Penalties: The guilty (individual hirer) would be punished with a maximum fine of 1 year prison and/or Rs 20,000 in fine [Bye Laws 49(b) & 153 (c)]. Please note that there are NO exceptions to the above rule i.e. a child laborer cannot work in a housing society for any type of work.

3. In most cases parents send their children to work. If we do not employ a child laborer in our house, the parents may employ the child somewhere else.

There are two broad categories of parents

First, ones who are unaware of the advantages of education and the various government schemes, which provide for the free education to poor children. Second, those who do not want to send their children to schools as it will deprive them of the extra income what their children are earning.

In the first case, we individuals, can go extra mile and make the parents aware of the advantages of education in a childs future. We can also educate them about free education as well as Midday Meal schemes in government-aided school. In the second case, once again we individuals can act responsible citizens and report such cases to government or local NGOs. 1098 is a 24-hour childcare helpline no. The authorities at 1098 would then take it forward depending on the nature of each case, the authorities would counsel the parents, provide some financial help or take some rehabilitation measure. Please note, that by reporting on 1098, the authorities would not take harsh measures against the children or their parents. Rather, they would help in every way possible.

4. Children are the major source of income for poor families. What would these families do in order to survive?

If you ask. Is it not true that if a family is extremely poor and is in desperate straits then the parents would need to send their child to work? Then the answer of course is YES. But reframe the question as Are all families sending their children to work so poor that they need their childs income in order to survive? The answer is firm NO. In fact, the rural areas are full of examples of children belonging to very poor families who are in school while their relatively better-off counterparts are working (SOURCE: MVF India). A large number of factors that have nothing to do with the economics of the situation, such as tradition, ignorance of parents on account of illiteracy, lack of access to alternatives, and so on govern the decision of the family to send a child to work or to school. We must remember that education is a fundamental right of every child in India. In fact, education is a direction in breaking the vicious circle of poverty.

5. What if the child is studying as well as working?

Firstly, the law clearly provides that child labour (in any form) is strictly banned. There are no exceptions to the above rule. Even if a child is going to school, he/she is still not allowed to work in the afterschool hours. After-school hours are meant for childs recreation, which would promote a childs overall development and not for working in homes, restaurants, shops, etc.

6. I tried convincing a child labourer in my society to go to schools and study. But hes least interested in education. What more can I do?

Let us rewind our life and go back to our primary school days (in the age group 6- 10 years). How many of us, were enthusiastic about waking up for the school? How many of us, (without our parents interfering) finished our homework first and then

head for playing with our friends? How many of us understood the importance of education in first place? Im afraid the answer is not many of us. It was because of our parents/guardians/tuition teachers that we studied during our primary school days, completed our homework, indulged in extra-curricular activities like drawing, cycling, dancing, etc. It is important for all of us to understand, that like us, there are many child labourers who do not like studying. But as our parents mentored our lives and made you and me an educated person, we should be taking care of the rights of such poor children. I want to raise a voice against child labour in my society, but am afraid that it would affect the relationship between my family and my neighbors. This is for every individual to decide what they want to do accept things as they are or raise voice against wrong, maintain relationship with your neighbor ad turn a blind eye or take a step in shaping a childs future. Do what appeals to your self-conscience as you are answerable only to yourself.

Stay on top of youth views and opinions

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Subscribe to our award-winning journalism
First Name Last Name E-Mail

Recent Posts

Speaking For Sunny Leone: A Check On Double Standards The Bondage Of A Reserved India: Demerits Of Being A Forward Caste To Those Men Who Cant Help But Stare: Dear Man, Am I A Species That Rare? Are We Doing What We Love? Abortions: Cant The Creator Also Be Given The Right To Destroy A Life? Is The Supreme Court An Unwanted High Voice? The Black Caps Run Aground: A Look At Team Indias Comprehensive Whitewash Of New Zealand A Tribute To Our Teachers: Those Candles That Consume Themselves To Light The Way For Others Of Dreams, Hopes And Waits: An Aspiring Author In India Lala Chunnamal Ki Haveli: Immense History Surrounded By Forgotten Glory

Trending (all time)

1. Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs And Leaders Of India - 1881 Views 2. Top 10 NGOs Of India - 1241 Views 3. Impact Of Social Networking Sites On Youth - 1072 Views 4. Top 10 DJs of India (2009-2010) [Recommended Read] - 1058 Views 5. Dowry System In India: Then And Now - 951 Views 6. Domestic Violence in India: Causes, Consequences and Remedies - 923 Views 7. Where Are The Girls? Female Infanticide In India - 761 Views 4

Find us on Facebook Content Syndication partners: Our content is circulated worldwide via:

Latest Tweets

Speaking For Sunny Leone: A Check On Double Standards http://t.co/DZeQyNui #IndianYouth Whenever the news reporter says that it has been more than 4 years since the 26/11 attacks, it feels as if all it... http://t.co/3KFWmavJ The Bondage Of A Reserved India: Demerits Of Being A Forward Caste http://t.co/gzmU4Atm #IndianYouth To Those Men Who Cant Help But Stare: Dear Man, Am I A Species That Rare? http://t.co/FnO4Z4uT #IndianYouth Are We Doing What We Love? http://t.co/RijzMAY8 #IndianYouth

Take us where you go:

Latest on the forum:

Do you agree with this : Delhi dilwalon ki?? Do you think Social media is a boon or a bane?