Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

Fair Labor Standards Take A Blow Nationwide

[colorbox title=”How the Labor Department Has Let Companies Off the Hook for Unpaid Internships” color=”#703c2c”]

Four years after warning for-profit companies about unpaid internships, the agency has investigated relatively few employers for wage violations.

by Kara Brandeisky and Jeremy B. Merrill
ProPublica, April 9, 2014, 2:59 p.m.

READ FULL STORY[/colorbox]

ProPublica’s reportage of the U.S. Labor Department’s apparent lack of concern regarding enforcement of fair labor standards must be troubling news for all. The exploitation of young, inexperienced workers who merely seek entry into the workforce has been an ever-expanding problem in today’s competitive environment and it is problematic that the agencies tasked with enforcing the law have fallen way short of their mandates. MALC has always promoted and advocated for fair trade and fair labor practices for all, no matter the discipline.

We will continue to work with and advocate for strong labor standards with our Massachusetts legislative and executive branch contacts and with our advocacy partners nationwide.