The National Employment Law Project (NELP) announced that the unemployment rate rose to 4.0% in May, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. It noted a specific increase in unemployment among teenage workers, who historically experience higher joblessness compared to older age groups.

According to NELP, racial disparities persisted among teenage workers in May. Black teens faced a 13.9% unemployment rate, compared to 11.0% for white teens and 15.5% for Latinx teens. This contrasts with overall unemployment rates of 6.1% for Black workers, 5.0% for Latinx workers, 3.1% for Asian workers, and 3.5% for white workers.

Meanwhile, despite federal efforts to address exploitative child labor practices, several states have scaled back protections, allowing longer work hours and hazardous job roles for teenagers like roofing. Conversely, some states have introduced legislation to abolish subminimum wages for teen workers, according to a press release by NELP.

"At a time when many teenagers are just starting their summer jobs, policymakers must focus not only on job opportunities but on protecting vulnerable young workers from dangerous work environments, long hours, and unfair pay," said Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of NELP. "The U.S. Department of Labor documents an appalling 88% increase in child labor violations by companies since 2019, including serious violations by fast food companies, manufacturers, and poultry processing plants, like the one in Mississippi where Duvan Pérez, a 16-year-old boy who migrated from Guatemala, was fatally injured last summer."

NELP is an advocacy group dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive economy where workers enjoy extensive rights and flourish in quality employment. Collaborating with various local, state, and national partners since its establishment in 1969, NELP pursues its mission through legal and policy initiatives, research, capacity-building efforts, and communication strategies.