(WJET/WFXP) -- With school wrapping up for students all over the Commonwealth soon, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DOL) is reminding underage workers of their rights before starting that summer job.
DOL Secretary Nancy Walker announced on May 23 that the DOL will be taking extra measures to ensure underage workers aren't taken advantage of by employers given the sharp increase in child labor violations.
"As businesses increasingly rely on young workers to fill job vacancies, it is crucial to remember that unlawful employment practices will not be tolerated and may result in fines, administrative violations, and, in some cases, criminal convictions," said Secretary Walker. "As we monitor a sharp increase in child labor violations in Pennsylvania, we cannot stress how important it is to L&I to invest in protecting our young workers, ensuring their safety over profits and holding bad actors accountable."
In Pennsylvania, anyone under the age of 16 is legally required to have a written statement from a parent or guardian to acknowledge what their responsibilities are and hours along with a work permit from their school district.
With the exception of delivering newspapers, minors are also not allowed to work more than six consecutive days, must be given a 30-minute meal period on or before five consecutive hours of work and be paid at least $7.25 an hour. The DOL separates teen workers into three categories with their own sets of restrictions.
Under-14 Work Restrictions
- Can only work in certain situations such as family farms, domestic service, caddies, newspaper carriers and entertainment performers with special permission
14-15-Year-Olds Work Restrictions
- May only work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., no more than eight hours a day, or 40 hours a week outside of the school year
- During the school year may only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and no more than three hours a day on school days, or 18 hours per school week and cannot interfere with school attendance
16-17-Year-Olds Work Restrictions
- Outside of the school year may only work between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. and no more than 10 hours a day, or 48 hours a week. Employers may not compel minors in this age group to work beyond 45 hours a week.
- During the school year may only work between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. and no more than eight hours a day on school days, or 28 hours per school week and cannot interfere with school attendance
Minors are also not allowed to work in a place designated as hazardous or require dangerous equipment such as electrical work and woodworking.
Workers can also file a complaint against a company online through their website here.