As summer break approaches and teenagers seek employment opportunities, Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier is reminding parents, teens, educators and employers across Pennsylvania about the rules outlined in the commonwealth’s Child Labor Act that protects workers under age 18.
“Summer employment is an opportunity for teenagers to gain experience in the workplace, earn a paycheck and acquire lifelong skills,” Berrier said. “As businesses offer higher pay and look to teenagers to fill job vacancies, it is important employers follow the laws in place that protect young workers and ensure a positive, equitable work environment.”
Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act, enforced by L&I’s Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, protects the health, safety, and welfare of minors employed in the commonwealth by limiting employment in certain establishments, restricting the hours of work, regulating work conditions, and requiring work permits for children hired to fill a position.
Since 2015, the bureau has collected more than $3.7 million in fines from nearly 400 entities in violation of the Act. So far, in 2022, the bureau has collected $80,300 from 33 entities in violation of the Act.
For minors engaged in work other than the entertainment industry, the law covers three age groups: children less than 14 years of age, 14- and 15-year-olds, and 16- and 17-year-olds. All minors under 16 must have a written statement by the minor’s parent or guardian...
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