H.R. 1193: Future in Logging Careers Act

The proposed legislation, known as the Future in Logging Careers Act, aims to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Specifically, it seeks to allow certain 16- and 17-year-old individuals to work in timber harvesting roles without being restricted by some existing child labor laws. Here’s a breakdown of the bill's main provisions:

Definitions of Employers

The bill defines two types of employers:

• Timber Harvesting Employers: These are businesses engaged in various timber-related tasks, including:
  • Felling, skidding, yarding, loading, and processing of timber using equipment other than manually operated chainsaws and cable skidders.
  • Felling timber through mechanized operations.
  • Bucking or converting timber into products such as logs and poles.
  • Collecting, transporting, and unloading timber products.
  • Constructing, repairing, and maintaining roads or camps used in logging.
  • Other related work in logging.
• Mechanized Timber Harvesting Employers: These are employers specifically using machinery for timber activities, including:
  • Felling and processing timber using advanced equipment such as whole tree processors, cut-to-length processors, and grapple skidders.

Child Labor Law Exemptions

Under the proposed amendments, 16- and 17-year-olds would be exempt from certain child labor regulations when working for the defined timber harvesting employers, except in circumstances that involve particularly hazardous work. The following conditions would apply:

Impact on Employment

This legislation is intended to facilitate the employment of younger individuals in the logging industry, which could address labor shortages in this sector. By allowing this age group to engage in timber harvesting work, the bill aims to create pathways for careers in logging, especially as the demand for timber and related products continues.

Regulatory Oversight

The Secretary of Labor would retain the authority to identify and declare specific occupations within the timber harvesting realm as hazardous, thereby maintaining oversight of young workers in potentially dangerous situations.

Conclusion

The Future in Logging Careers Act reflects an effort to adapt child labor laws to the needs of the timber industry while ensuring some levels of protection for young employees. This proposed change may help support the future workforce in the logging sector.

Relevant Companies

• WMT (Walmart Inc.): As a major retailer that sources timber products, changes in labor laws affecting timber harvesting could influence supply chain operations.
• GPX (Groupe GPX): Involved in timber production, this company might experience changes in workforce availability and job readiness among younger workers.