Labor Laws Governing The Employment Of Minors

Getting a job as a teenager is a good way to get a head start in life. Most minors look for employment during the summer months, as well as after school and during school vacations. It is important that employers know the correct labor laws surrounding those under the age of 18. Laws according to the NY State Department of Labor are quite strict, especially regarding the hours teens can work. Some of these laws include:

• Minors aged 14-17 can work once they have completed the proper working papers.
• Minors may not work during school hours, no matter what age they are. If they have graduated early or left school, they can work during the day.
• During school, minors aged 14 and 15 can work no more than 3 hours on a school day, 8 hours on a Saturday or day that school is out, no more than 18 hours a week and no more than 6 days a week.
• In the summer months, between June 21 and Labor Day, minors aged 14 and 15 can work up to 8 hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week. This age group can only work between 7AM and 9PM.
• In the summer months, between June 21 and Labor Day, minors aged 16 and 17 can work 8 hours a day, up to 48 hours a week. They are permitted to work only between the hours of 6AM and midnight.
• Children under 16 are not allowed to work on a factory floor or near dangerous equipment such as a meat slicer.
• Minors under 18 can not work as a helper on any motor vehicle.

Certain jobs have special exceptions for the amount of hours they work which includes:

• Models
• Farm workers
• Babysitters
• Newspaper delivery
• Performers

If your child has been working more extra hours than the law allows, or in dangerous conditions, contact an experienced NY attorney today.