Younger teens won’t be able to work later hours during the school year in Ohio after all. Governor DeWine recently nixed legislation that would have extended permitted work hours when school is in session. Following this development, now is a good time for employers to make sure they are complying with existing child labor laws. Keep in mind that Ohio employers who hire minors must comply with both state and federal law, paying close attention to how the requirements vary based on the minor’s age and whether school is in session. Here’s a refresher of what employers need to know about the current law and five key takeaways for employing minors.
The Latest Development
The vetoed Senate Bill 50 would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. on school nights. The measure was intended to help address Ohio’s workforce shortage and provide minors with additional work opportunities.
In explaining his decision to veto the bill, Governor DeWine expressed that there was “no compelling reason to deviate from current law.” He acknowledged the importance of learning to work and the value of carrying those skills into adulthood, but concluded that the existing law already serves this purpose while maintaining a healthy balance between work and study time for students.
Overview of Minor Labor Laws
Child labor laws restrict the hours minors can work and the types of tasks they can perform. They also impose requirements on employers for breaks, hiring, and...
In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, President Trump rebuked European allies and reasserted his ambitions to seize Greenland. He also distorted Greenland’s history, ...