What are the laws concerning the employment of young workers?

In Minnesota, there are laws regarding the employment of young workers. Generally, a person must be at least 14 years old to be employed. For 14 and 15 year-olds, there are restrictions on the type of work that can be done, how many hours can be worked, and what time of day they can work. For instance, 14 and 15 year-olds cannot work in hazardous occupations like mining, manufacturing explosives or driving a motor vehicle. They also cannot work more than three hours on a school day, eight hours on a non-school day, or more than forty hours in a school week. Furthermore, when school is in session, 14 and 15 year-olds can only work between 7am and 7pm, and when school is not in session they can only work between 7am and 9pm. In addition to those restrictions, there are other laws in Minnesota regarding young workers. For example, minor workers must be paid at least the federal minimum wage or the minimum wage established by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, whichever is greater. Also, minors are not allowed to work in bars, liquor stores, or any other place that serves or sells alcohol, and cannot be employed in any type of gambling activity. All employers must keep records showing the name, age, and hours worked for all minor employees. It is also a good idea for employers to provide minors with a copy of the State Department of Labor and Industry’s “Rules for Working Minors” brochure. This brochure provides more information about working laws, as well as tips for employers on how to create a safe workplace for minors. Ultimately, abiding by these laws helps to ensure that young workers are protected and given a safe and fair work environment.

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