Labor Department Find 'American Idol' In Violation Of Child Labor Laws

[Omaha Steve]

http://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Labor-Department-Find-American-Idol-In-Violation-Of-Child-Labor-Laws/11837

News from New York State Department of Labor

For more information contact: Leo Rosales, 518-457-5519
Labor Department Find 'American Idol' In Violation Of Child Labor Laws

First-Ever Collection for Child Performer Violation

ALBANY, NY (10/12/2007; 0941)(readMedia)-- State Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith today announced that the Labor Department recently reached a settlement with 19 Touring, LLC, the parent company for the “American Idols Live Tour 2007,” totaling $5,000 for various child labor violations.

“This settlement should serve as a strong reminder that the Labor Department is aggressively enforcing the state’s labor laws that protect all workers, especially children” said Commissioner Smith.

The Department determined that there were two minors working in the “American Idols Live Tour 2007” who did not have Child Performer Certificates. Additionally, 19 Touring, LLC did not possess a current Certificate of Eligibility to Employ Child Performers that serves to notify the state that an employer is using child performers. This ensures that employers comply with child labor, workers’ compensation, and other laws.

The New York State Child Performer Law is designed to protect children under eighteen who render artistic or creative services and either live or work in the state. This law ensures that child performers receive a proper education and are not impaired by the demands of their performance work. It also requires that a minimum of 15% of the child’s earnings is saved in a trust fund until the age of eighteen. This marks the first settlement under the Child Performer Labor Law which was amended in 2003.

19 Touring, LLC was found to have a total of 16 violations for employment of a minor without proper paperwork and not being possessing a Certificate of Eligibility to Employ Child Performers in New York State. The American Idols Tour 2007 was in New York State on the following dates:

* August 23 (Rochester)
* August 24 (Long Island)
* August 30 (Albany)
* September 2 (Syracuse)

[niyad]

1. I find "american idol" in violation of good taste and talent.