how does the fair lady standards act protect workers who are 16-17 years old
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protects workers who are 16-17 years old by setting certain regulations and standards for their employment. Here are some ways in which the FLSA protects these workers:
1. Minimum Wage: The FLSA establishes a federal minimum wage that applies to all workers, regardless of their age. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This means that employers cannot pay 16-17-year-old workers less than the minimum wage.
2. Hours and Work Restrictions: The FLSA sets limits on the number of hours that 16-17-year-old workers can work during different periods. During regular school weeks, they can work up to 3 hours per day on school days and 8 hours per day on non-school days. They can work a maximum of 18 hours per week during school weeks. However, during non-school weeks, like summer or vacation breaks, they can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
3. Hazardous Jobs: The FLSA also restricts 16-17-year-old workers from performing hazardous jobs that are deemed too dangerous for their age group. These jobs include operating heavy machinery, working with certain power tools, mining, excavation, manufacturing, or jobs that require them to work at dangerous heights. These restrictions aim to protect young workers from potential harm and injury.
4. Breaks and Rest Periods: The FLSA requires employers to provide reasonable breaks or rest periods to 16-17-year-old workers. While there is no specific duration mentioned by the FLSA, breaks of at least 30 minutes are generally considered standard. These breaks ensure that young workers have appropriate rest time during their shifts.
It is important to note that individual states may have additional labor laws that further protect the rights of 16-17-year-old workers. These state-specific laws often provide more stringent regulations or unique provisions. It is crucial for employers and workers to be aware of both federal and state labor laws to ensure compliance and protection.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides certain protections to workers who are 16-17 years old. Here are the ways it protects them:
1. Minimum wage: The FLSA requires employers to pay workers at least the federal minimum wage. However, there is a provision for "youth minimum wage" that allows employers to pay workers under the age of 20 a lower wage for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. Afterward, they must be paid the full federal minimum wage.
2. Work hours: The FLSA restricts the number of hours that 16-17-year-old workers can work to ensure they have adequate time for education and other activities. During school weeks, they can work a maximum of 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week. On non-school days, they can work up to 8 hours, and during holidays, they can work up to 40 hours per week.
3. Prohibited occupations: The FLSA includes a list of hazardous occupations that 16-17-year-old workers are generally prohibited from performing. These include operating certain types of machinery, working in construction or mining, using explosives, or working in occupations with exposure to radioactive substances, among others.
4. Breaks and rest periods: 16-17-year-olds are entitled to breaks during work shifts. The FLSA mandates that they must receive a 30-minute break after working for 5 consecutive hours.
5. Employment certification: In some states, minors may need to obtain employment certificates (also known as work permits or age certificates) to demonstrate their age and eligibility to work. The FLSA requires employers to obtain and keep these certificates on file for workers under the age of 18.
It's important to note that individual state laws may further extend protections or impose additional restrictions for workers who are 16-17 years old. It is always advised to review the specific requirements within your state for a comprehensive understanding of the protections in place.