Los Angeles Employment Lawyer
Non-Agricultural Child Labor Regulations
Among the regulations set forth by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 were several limitations on the use of child labor. These provisions are intended to promote the education and health of young children by preventing their exploitation for business purposes. These laws make a key distinction between agricultural jobs (i.e., farm work) and non-agricultural jobs – though 16 is the minimum age for most non-agricultural jobs, children of virtually any age are allowed to work on farms owned and operated by their families.
The child labor restrictions in the FLSA apply to businesses which participate in interstate commerce or producing, handling, or working on goods intended for interstate commerce.
Children older than 14 but younger than 16 are subject to the strongest restrictions on labor. They may only take jobs that the Secretary of Labor has deemed non-hazardous. They also may not work more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week, or 8 hours on a non-school day and 40 hours in a non-school week, and are only allowed to work between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM.
At 16, youths are allowed to perform any job, without hour restrictions, other than jobs which have specifically been labeled “hazardous” by the Secretary. At 18, all job restrictions are lifted and youths are able to take on any and all jobs they desire.
Special exceptions are also made for certain jobs, which all children are allowed to perform at any age. These jobs include:
- Delivering newspapers/magazines
- Acting or performing in movies, television, or theatre productions
- Acting or performing on radio
- Working for their parents in nonhazardous jobs
Violations of child labor laws are subject to a civil fine up to $11,000 and a criminal penalty of $10,000 upon conviction. Subsequent convictions result in a fine up to $10,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.
To learn more about the FLSA, contact Los Angeles employment lawyer Perry Smith by calling 888-356-2529 today.