1940 photograph of boys working at a chocolate factory
Boys folding boxes for Rowntrees Nux Chocolates in the packing department, Rowntree factory, York. Yorkshire, 1940. (Photo by Borthwick Institute/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
  • Republicans in some states are proposing exceptions to child labor regulations. 
  • That's because the labor shortage has impacted industries like meatpacking and construction. 
  • Research shows that those industries could attract adult workers if they increased pay and benefits. 

The kids are alright — and depending on who you ask, they'll be just fine doing manual labor.