Increased Penalties for Labor, Safety, and Child Exploitation Violations
This Act significantly raises civil monetary penalties for employers who violate laws concerning child labor, wages, occupational health and safety, and family leave. The goal is to better protect workers and children by deterring companies from unfair practices. These changes directly impact workplace safety, fair compensation, and strengthen workers' rights to organize.
Key points
Penalties for illegal child labor increase up to $150,000 per employee, and up to $700,000 if the violation causes death or serious injury to a minor (potentially doubled for repeated offenses).
Maximum fines for serious Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) violations increase from $70,000 to $800,000.
New, high penalties (up to $100,000) are introduced for employers engaging in unfair labor practices (e.g., hindering unionization), with potential liability for directors and officers.
A mechanism is established to issue 'withdrawal orders' (mine closures) for mine operators who fail to pay outstanding safety violation penalties.
Penalties are increased for violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and for failing to comply with mental health and substance use disorder parity requirements in health plans.
Expired
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