As more and more teenagers are entering the workforce, they need an understanding of their workplace rights to make sure they’re safe, treated fairly, and compensated properly. This understanding makes the work experience for teenagers more positive and productive. In this article, we’ll talk about the most important parts of employment laws, minimum wage, working hours, job restrictions, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination protections that every teenage worker needs to know.
Understanding Employment Laws
There are several key laws protecting young workers, making sure their teenage worker rights are protected and that they’re safe in the workplace. The most prominent ones include:
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): This federal law sets the minimum wage, regulates working hours, and places restrictions on the types of jobs minors can perform. It aims to protect young workers from being exploited and from hazardous working conditions.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): OSHA makes sure working conditions are safe for all employees, including teenagers. Employers are required to provide a workplace free from serious hazards and comply with OSHA standards.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The EEOC protects against workplace discrimination. It makes sure that young workers aren’t discriminated against based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
Minimum Wage for Teenagers and Working Hours
Teenage worker rights entitle them to receive at least the federal minimum wage, though some states have higher minimum wage laws. If the state law offers a higher wage, that’s the one employers need to comply with. According to the FLSA, the current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
Working Hours for Teens
The FLSA sets specific limits on the hours that minors can work so their employment doesn’t get in the way of their education.
- 14-15 Year-Olds: During the school year, these teens can work up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week. On non-school days, they can work up to 8 hours, and during non-school weeks, up to 40 hours. They’re only allowed to work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day).
- 16-17 Year-Olds: There are no federal restrictions on the number of hours they can work, but they can’t work hazardous jobs.
Types of Jobs and Restrictions
The FLSA and OSHA restrict on the types of jobs that teenagers can perform to protect them from dangerous tasks:
- Hazardous Jobs: Teens under 18 can’t work in hazardous occupations like mining, operating heavy machinery, and roofing. These jobs are considered too dangerous because there’s a high risk of injury.
- Permissible Jobs: Teens can work in retail, food service, and office jobs. Younger teens (14-15) can also take up tasks like bagging groceries, cashiering, or working as a lifeguard (with restrictions.
Safety in the Workplace
Making sure the workplace is safe is a huge concern, especially for young workers who tend to have less experience and not know about potential hazards:
- OSHA Guidelines: Employers need to provide a safe work environment and comply with OSHA regulations. This includes offering proper training, safety equipment, and regular safety checks. Young workers have the right to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
- Right to Refuse Unsafe Work: Teen workers have the right to refuse work that they believe poses an immediate threat to their health or safety. If they face unsafe conditions, they can file a complaint with OSHA.
Anti-Discrimination Rights
The EEOC makes sure to protect young workers from discrimination and harassment in the workplace:
- Types of Discrimination: This includes discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Employers are required to keep their workplaces free from harassment and take immediate action if a complaint is made.
- Steps to Take: If a young worker experiences discrimination or harassment, they need to document the incidents, report them to a supervisor or HR department, and, if necessary, file a complaint with the EEOC.
Internships and Volunteer Work
It’s also important for young workers to understand their rights regarding the differences between paid and unpaid internships:
- Paid vs. Unpaid Internships: Unpaid internships need to meet specific criteria set by the FLSA, including providing training that’s more useful to the intern than the employer and not displacing regular employees. If these criteria aren’t met, the intern is entitled to at least the minimum wage and overtime pay.
- Volunteer Work: Genuine volunteer work, particularly for non-profit organizations, is not covered by the FLSA. That being said, the volunteer role needs to be actually voluntary and not replace a paid position.
Filing Complaints and Seeking Help
There are several ways teenage workers can seek help if their rights are violated:
- Filing Complaints: Workers can file complaints with OSHA or the EEOC if they face unsafe working conditions or discrimination. OSHA handles safety-related complaints, while the EEOC deals with discrimination issues.
- Resources: Tons of websites like YouthRules! and Youth@Work offer valuable information and resources for young workers, parents, and employers. These sites can guide teens on employment rights and how to address violations of them.
Knowing Youth Employment Laws and Teenage Worker Rights
An understanding of teenage worker rights is important for making sure they’re safe and treated fairly on the job. With this understanding of youth employment laws, minimum wage requirements, working hours, job restrictions, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination protections, young workers can feel confident advocating for their employment rights. If these rights are violated, there are numerous resources and avenues to get help and file complaints. This knowledge lets teenage workers make informed decisions and contribute positively to their work environments.
