What legal protections are available to children in cases of labor exploitation?

In Virginia, there are several legal protections in place for children who are victims of labor exploitation. The most prominent protections are outlined in the Virginia Code § 40.1-28.7 and § 40.1-28.8. These sections cover child labor exploitation, which is defined as “any act or practice in which a minor is used for labor or services through the abuse of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation, including, but not limited to, sexual exploitation.” Under Virginia Code § 40.1-28.7, it is illegal for an employer to employ a minor for labor or services through the exploitation of threat, force, fraud, or coercion. Further, it is illegal for an employer to pay a minor an unfair wage for labor or services rendered, which could include wages that are lower than the minimum wage, wages that are withheld, or wages that are not paid on time. In addition, Virginia Code § 40.1-28.8 prohibits any form of discrimination in employment when it comes to labor or services rendered by a minor. This includes discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Finally, Virginia Code § 40.1-28.9 protects minors from certain types of working conditions, such as hazardous workplaces, wages that are lower than the minimum wage, wages that are withheld, and wages that are not paid on time. Furthermore, minors cannot be forced to work beyond the legal working hours mandated for minors. In summary, Virginia has a number of legal protections in place to protect minors from exploitation in the workplace, such as prohibiting employers from exploiting minors through threat, force, fraud, or coercion, as well as prohibiting discrimination based on certain traits or characteristics. Additionally, employers must abide by certain regulations when it comes to hours, wages, and working conditions to protect minors from exploitation.

What legal protections are available to children in cases of labor exploitation?

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