The resolution adopted by the Ohio Senate urges Congress to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to permit individuals under 16 years of age to work between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. during the school year, provided they have parental or guardian approval. This request arises from the significant job losses and high unemployment rates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have led to a labor shortage that continues to affect businesses. With many employers struggling to fill available positions, allowing younger workers to contribute during these hours could help businesses return to regular operations and meet their staffing needs.
The resolution highlights the importance of employing teenagers, as they represent an increasing segment of the workforce, and their employment can stimulate local economic growth. By enabling more young people to work during the school year, businesses can better serve their communities and potentially hire additional staff to accommodate increased demand. The resolution calls for the transmission of authenticated copies to relevant congressional leaders and the Ohio media to raise awareness of this initiative.