A bill that would up the amount of time a minor has to work before getting a break from five hours to eight hours has stalled in the House after a heated argument on the lower chamber floor.
Tensions built up from other labor bills spilled over into this debate, as the premise shocked lawmakers like New Orleans Representative Gary Carter.
“We can’t pass out of Labor and Employment a fair minimum wage, or equal pay for women, but we’re going to pass restrictions that make it harder for minors to even get a break!?”
Bill writer, Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews, says the legislation would improve adolescent employment opportunities, as service industry jobs often require six or more hour shifts. He added that teens aren’t forced to work at these businesses…
“A parent has to sign an authorization for a minor can even work. They have to agree to the place of employment and the conditions there before the minor is even allowed to go, so this just allows a little more opportunity.”
Houma Representative Beryl Amedee supported the legislation, adding that neighboring Texas and Mississippi have similar laws.
Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the legislation would endanger teen’s education, and it’s unfair to push them to work seven and a half hours straight while paying them 7.25 an hour. Crews countered saying teenagers have not proven their worth yet, leading to this confrontation…
CREWS: “A teenager has not yet established any credibility in terms of discipline and in terms of team work, so this gives them an opportunity to be able to move on, and get experience to get a better job.”
MARCELLE: “Team work or slave work, which one?”
