Legal Funda

Archive for the ‘Labor’ Category

A person below 18 years age is considered as a minor. IT is the duty of the state to protect the interest of minor employee in workplace. The state is also concerned about the overall development of a minor. As a result we find far more stringent rules regarding employment of minors.

Every state has a list of hazardous jobs (example- excavation, demolition, etc.) where employing minor is strictly prohibited. However, there are variations in law regulating employment, work hour, wages, etc. of a minor employee. This depends on the state constitution and partly on government policies changing from time to time. The commonwealth of Pennsylvania has the strictest rules for employment of minors in whole USA.

Minors in the age group of 12 years – 14 years can work as Caddie. Minors less than 16 years can work for 4 hours. The working hours should not collide with school timings. They aren’t allowed to work before 6am and after midnight when the school is in session. All minors irrespective of the type of work is eligible for a 30 minutes break after consecutive 5 hour work.

Minors must posses 3 types of work certificates – vacation employment certificate, general employment certificate and transferable employment certificate. There is an exception for minor employees above 17 years age.

In order to stay in the safe side, it is advisable for both employers as well as parents of minor employees to consult a Pennsylvania Employment Lawyer.