Russia is considering changes to labor laws that could allow children as young as 12 to work during school holidays, as officials search for ways to address a growing workforce shortage linked to demographic decline and the war in Ukraine, according to The Telegraph.
The proposal was raised by Russia’s children’s rights commissioner, Olga Yaroslavskaya, who also suggested reviving Soviet-style labor camps where teenagers could spend part of their summer working while earning money.
Labor Crisis Pressures Policymakers
Russia’s labor market has tightened significantly in recent years. Despite the country’s low official unemployment rate, employers across multiple industries have struggled to find workers.
Economists and business groups have warned that labor shortages could weigh on economic growth for years. Estimates suggest Russia needs between 1.5 million and 3 million additional workers to meet labor demand over the coming years.
The shortage has been attributed to several factors, including a declining birth rate, the departure of many working-age professionals since the invasion of Ukraine, and military casualties from the conflict.
Proposal Targets Summer Employment
Under current Russian law, children can generally begin working at age 14 with parental consent, while 15-year-olds can independently sign employment contracts in certain circumstances.
Supporters of the proposal argue that younger teenagers are eager to work during summer breaks and that expanding opportunities for part-time employment could provide both income and structure.
The suggestion to revive labor camps draws on a Soviet-era model in which students participated in seasonal agricultural work during school holidays.
Schools Add Patriotic Reading Requirements
The labor proposal comes as Russian education officials introduce new summer reading materials focused on patriotism and the war in Ukraine.
According to Russia’s education ministry, the updated reading lists include books centered on military service, the conflict in Ukraine, and narratives portraying Russian soldiers and Moscow-backed forces in a positive light.
The additions are part of a broader effort by authorities to incorporate wartime themes into educational programs as the conflict continues.
