Child Labor Laws in Pennsylvania Relating to Summer Jobs
Summer time employment is something most young people look forward to – not only to get that coveted paycheck, but also to put something worthwhile on their resume and to get some valuable, much-needed work experience. However, it is important for those who employ young people under the age of 18 to follow the law and make sure that they provide a safe, healthy, positive environment for young employees.
Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Law protects the well-being and safety of minors employed in the state based on PA labor legislation. It restricts employment in certain establishments and also places limits on the hours of work, work surroundings and kinds of job duties that young people can perform. Based on a PR Newswire report, the law covers three distinct age groups: children under 14, children 14 and 15, and those who are 16 and 17. The law specifies the particular types of jobs those in each age group can or cannot do.
Of course, dangerous jobs in Pennsylvania such as welding, roofing, mining, railroad jobs and excavating work are off-limits to minors. Also, those working full or part-time must be paid at least the minimum wage, $7.25 per hour. Please remember that the federal child labor law is valid in Pennsylvania. Where state and federal laws coincide, the more severe of the two laws will take superiority over the law with more minor consequences.
Monheit is the managing lawyer at Monheit Law, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has practiced law since 1989. Michael Monheit was the managing attorney of the law offices of Herbert Monheit — now Silverman and Fodera — a firm founded by... Michael Monheit→
