DeWine Vetoes Bill That Would Let Employers Expand Use Of Child Labor
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed legislation that would have allowed employers to expand use of child workers, who can be paid less than Ohio’s full minimum wage.
DeWine, late Wednesday evening, rejected Senate Bill 50, which cleared the Republican-dominated General Assembly on Nov. 10, saying it wasn’t in the public interest.
“Ohio’s labor federation applauds Governor DeWine for putting the best interests of children first by vetoing this misguided bill, which would have overturned longstanding protections that prevent 14- and 15-year-olds from working late on school nights,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga.
“Our child work rules have been in place, across this country, for many years,” DeWine said in a statement. “They have provided that 14- and 15-year-olds can work after school up to 7 p.m. This bill would extend that time to 9 p.m. I believe it unwise to provide for 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night. I see no compelling reason to deviate from current law.”