The general rule is that the legal working age in California is 14-years-old, but anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit. The permits are known as a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. Such permits are often issued by a minor’s school. The statement and request are filled out by the minor and they must be signed by a parent or the legal guardian of the child along with the employer. Upon obtaining the required signatures, the form is returned to the school, and it issues the permit. Employers must have a copy of the minor’s work permit on the work premises at all times. These permits must be renewed every school year until the employee turns 18.
Prohibited Employment
Work permits aren’t needed if the minor does odd jobs at a residence or babysits, but there are certain jobs that nobody under the age of 16 can work at. Under California law, some of those jobs involving working on a railroad or a boat, in excavations, mines or tunnels or as a driver.
What About School?
Minors who are 15 and under must attend school full-time unless they’ve graduated. Those who are 16 or 17 years of age and employed but haven’t graduated from high school are required to attend what’s known as continuation school for a minimum of four hours per week. If the employee isn’t regularly employed, school must be attended at least 15 hours per week. When school is not in session, those who are under 16 years of age are allowed to work eight hours a day with a 40 hour work week. Those who are over 16 are permitted to work eight hours a day with a maximum of a 48 hour work week.
Hours of Work
Employees who are between 16 and 17 are allowed to work four hours a day on school days or eight hours on non-school days or days preceding non-school days with a maximum of 48 hours per week. Those who are between 14 and 15 years of age can work for three hours per day on school days and up to eight hours a day on non-school days up to 18 hours per week.
Minors in the Entertainment Industry
As the entertainment industry is such large employer in California, the state has specific laws aimed at minors working in that sector. Children who work in the entertainment industry are required to have an Entertainment Work Permit issued by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. This entity has its own requirements for minors who seek to work in entertainment.
Penalties for Employers Who Violate California Child Labor Laws
An employer who violates California child labor laws can be charged with either a Class A or Class B violation. A Class A violation carries a penalty of between $5,000 and $10,000. A Class B violation carries a violation of between $500 and $1,000. A criminal prosecution can also result.
Contact our California Labor and Employment Lawyers today if you have questions about or legal issues in connection with California child labor laws.
