Understand the Child Labor Laws Before Hiring Teens

08/20/08

If you employ teens, you must follow specific rules regarding the hours and types of jobs they can work. You also are responsible for providing a safe, harassment-free workplace for them. If you don’t, the legal repercussions can be significant.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently published a proposal to update the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations governing the employment of minors. “It will safeguard the health and education of millions of working teens while at the same time allowing them to enjoy the benefits of a phased introduction to the workplace,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Paul DeCamp.

Key revisions include:

• Bans on hazardous activities such as working at poultry slaughtering plants, riding as passengers on forklifts and fighting forest fires
• Expanded employment opportunities for 14- and 15-year olds in competitive, 21st-century industries such as advertising, banking and information technology
• Restrictions on employing 14- and 15-year-olds for door-to-door sales

In other news, a recent discrimination lawsuit underscored the importance of preventing harassment in the workplace. GLC Restaurants, Inc., which runs McDonald’s restaurants in Arizona and California, was issued a $550,000 settlement for the sexual harassment of eight young women by a male boss. GLC also must provide training to educate employees about sexual harassment and their legal rights. “No one should ever have to endure sexual harassment to earn a paycheck,” said EEOC Trial Attorney Michelle Marshall. “Employers must be extra vigilant in protecting teen workers, who are one of the most vulnerable segments of the labor force.”

ComplyRight™ Employer’s Guide to Hiring and Managing Teens
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