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 Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
At what age and what hours
can youth work?
Answer: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
Non-agricultural
youth workers:
Agricultural youth
workers:
- Youth of any age may be employed at any time, in any occupation in agriculture on a farm owned or operated by their parent or guardian. However many state statutes and regulations place tighter restrictions on farm work hours performed by minors. Consult your state department of labor for specific information.
2.
What jobs can teens legally do?
Answer: It depends upon your age and the job.
3.
Do teens need a work permit to get a job?
Answer: The FLSA does not require that youth get work permits or working papers to get a job. Some states
do require work permits before getting a job. Youth may ask their school counselors if a work permit is needed before getting a job.
4.
What is the federal minimum wage for youth workers?
Answer: The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The federal minimum wage is $5.85 per hour. However, a
special minimum wage of $4.25 per hour applies to young workers under the age of 20 during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. After 90 consecutive days of employment, or when the worker reaches age 20 (whichever comes first), the worker must receive the
current minimum wage of $5.85
per hour effective
July 24, 2007; $6.55
per hour effective
July 24, 2008; and
$7.25 per hour
effective July 24,
2009.
Other programs that allow for payment of less than the full federal minimum wage apply to
workers with disabilities,
full-time students, and
student-learners. These programs are not limited to the employment of young workers.
Where federal and
state laws have different minimum wage rates, the higher standard applies.
5.
I receive tips. Can my employer pay me less than the required minimum wage?
Answer: Yes, if you receive tips, your employer can pay you less than the minimum wage in some states, how much less varies from state to state. The Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA) requires a minimum cash wage of $2.13 for tipped employees.
6.
What is the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA)?
Answer:
The FLSA is a law enforced by the
Employment Standards
Administration (ESA)
of the U. S. Department of Labor. The
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. For
additional information see the Department of Labor's
FLSA Advisor.
7.
If my state child labor laws are different than the federal child labor laws which will apply?
Answer: Every state has laws specifically dealing with child labor issues. When federal and state standards are different, the rules that provide the most protection to youth workers will apply. Employers must comply with both federal law and applicable state laws.
8.
Am I entitled to rest breaks or lunch breaks at work?
Answer: The FLSA does not require breaks or meal periods be given to workers. Some states
may have requirements for breaks
or meal periods. If you work in a state that does not require breaks or meal periods, these benefits are a matter of agreement between the employer and the employee (or the employee's representative).
9.
I am being harassed at work, what can I do?
Answer: Report it to your supervisor or boss. An employer is responsible for taking immediate and corrective action in harassment and hostile environment situations related to anti-discrimination laws. If your boss does nothing, tell a parent, teacher, or other adult or report it to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
10.
What other
laws does the
Department of
Labor (DOL)
administer and
enforce?
Answer:
Besides the laws
administered by the
Employment Standards
Administration and
the Occupational
Health
Administration, 24
other
agencies of
the
Department of Labor
(DOL) administer
and enforce more
than 180 federal
laws. These mandates
and the regulations
that implement them
cover many workplace
activities for about
10 million employers
and 125 million
workers. They
support
DOL's mission.
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