Sample Letter

The Honorable Alexis Herman
Secretary of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210

Dear Secretary Herman:

Re: Labor Department's Proposed Rules to Revise Child Labor Regulations; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 29 CFR, Part 570, Subpart C.

We are deeply concerned about the Department's intention to allow 14- and 15-year olds to perform dangerous cooking operations that will jeopardize the health and safety of thousands of working minors. We write to ask you to ensure that this proposal does not move forward.

As you are aware, eating and drinking establishments are a major employer of minors. This industry is also a primary source of occupational injuries among adolescents. In comments to the Department in 1994, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health submitted epidemiological data supporting its recommendation of a general prohibition against 14- and 15- year old minors cooking and working in close proximity of cooking appliances. As cooking operations are a proven and evident risk among older working teens, we are mystified at the Department's intention of allowing even younger minors to engage in these activities.

Under the current Administration, the Department of Labor has a record of being proactive in protecting working minors. We believe this proposal will undermine the reputation in child labor you have achieved over the last eight years. We urge you to take appropriate steps to ensure this change is not implemented.

Sincerely,

cc: T. Michael Kerr, Administrator, W&H Division