What are the restrictions on paying workers under the age of 18?
In Washington, employers must adhere to state rules and regulations governing the wages and hours of workers under the age of 18. Under the Washington Minimum Wage Act, employers are prohibited from paying wages below the state minimum wage, which is currently set at $13.69 per hour. In addition, employers must comply with the Washington child labor laws, which set restrictions on the hours and types of jobs that minors are allowed to perform. Minor workers under the age of 16 may not work more than 8 hours in a single day, 40 hours in a workweek, and cannot work more than 6 consecutive days in a week. Minors under 14 years of age may not be employed without special permission from the state Department of Labor and Industries. Minors 16 and 17 years of age may not be employed or allowed to work in any occupation that has been deemed hazardous or dangerous by the state, such as operating power-driven machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Furthermore, minors who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from performing any job between the hours of 10pm and 6am. It is important for employers to understand and remain compliant with all wage and hour laws that apply to workers under the age of 18. Failure to adhere to these laws can result in serious penalties or fines, so employers should be sure to consult with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries for further guidance.
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