Questions Teenagers Ask About Work |
(and the laws they need to know)
This information is a brief overview of several state and federal laws and is to be used as a guide and not as the complete definitive laws. It was prepared by the Job Placement Service of the South and West Washtenaw Consortium.
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| Who Can Work? |
| Youth 14-17 years old can work in certain jobs with a work permit. Most kinds of work are possible except those considered unsafe. When a teenager turns 18 the protective laws for minors no longer apply. |
| What Is a Work Permit? |
The work permit is a permit your employer needs to legally allow you to work in a certain job. The work permit specifies your job duties and the hours of employment. Exception You do not need a work permit if:
- you are a high school graduate and not yet 18
- you work on a farm
- your work is occasional (child care, house or yard work)
- you have a co-op education job with a training agreement
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| Where & How Do I Get the Work Permit? |
- When an employer agrees to hire you, you must obtain a work permit form from your high school office.
- The employer and you, the applicant, complete sections of the form and you return it to the high school "Issuing Officer" with proof of age.
- The high school checks the application and if approved, gives it to you to deliver to your employer so that you can legally begin work.
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| What Hours Can I Work? |
- For Youth 14-15 Years Old:
During summer and vacations
Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
No more than 8 hours per day
No more than 40 hours per week
During the school year
After school until 7 p.m.
No more than 3 hours after school
No more than 18 hours per week.
- For Youth 16-17 Years Old:
During summer and vacations
Between 6 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
No more than 8 hours per day
No more than 48 hours per week
During the school year
Between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
School hours and work hours can not exceed 48 hours.
- Deviation of HOurs (only for 16-17 Years Old)
You may work later than 10:30 p.m. (11:30 in summer) when:
a. The employer has an hour deviation approval from the Michigan Department of Labor, and
b. a copy of the deviation approval is given to the job applicant to be presented to the high school when seeking the work permit.
(School hours and work hours can still exceed 48 hours)
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| What Documents Will An Employer Want? |
All new employees must complete form I-9 provided by the employer and show evidence that they are U.S. citizens or have the legal right to work in the U.S.A.
- driver's license or school ID card with photo-to establish identity
- original social security card--to establish employability
- certificate of career and technical training
- a completed job application
- a resume
- a work permit (see previous section)
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| Where Do I Look For A Job? |
| Students in Career and Technical Education programs acquire work skills in areas of their training. Co-op education is where a student from such a program works and gets school credit. A co-op job also exempts you from many laws. For other youth, looking for jobs in areas of skills or interests in a good start. Families and friends are good sources for job informaiton. Youth often work in stores, restaurants, theatres, golf courses, etc. Yard work, house cleaning, and child care are other areas. |
| What Obligation Does the Worker Have? |
- report and be ready to work on time
- take and follow directions of supervisor
- meet production and quality standards of the employer
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| What Rights Does the Worker Have? |
- a safe work environment
- wages paid on a regular basis
- with an information statement
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| What About Wages, Breaks and Job Security? |
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a minimum wage for employees covered by federal law is $4.25.
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a state minimum wage applies only to 18 and older and is $3.35.
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a minor shall have 30 minutes break after 5 hours of continuous work
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employment normally can be ended at any time by employer or worker (common courtesy is to give two weeks notice)
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| What Other Laws Should a Teenager Know? |
Minors under 16 have several restrictions (except when employed by parents in unrestricted occupations):
- they may not use power driven lawn-mowers on a job
- no work in construction
- no work on ladders or scaffolds
- no work with machinery
Minors under 18:
- may not operate vehicles on public roads as part of their job
- may not handle cash transactions after sunset unless with an adult employer or worker
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| Where can I go if I have questions? |
To your school placement office, high school office, or:
Problems occur on the job. They can range from inability to get along with workers or employer to sexual harassment. It's important to know what the law is. Youth are sometimes asked ot work longer and more hours than the law allows. Your school Job Placement Coordinator or counselor is a source of help. For additonal information or to file a complaint you may contact the Michgan Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Standards, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30015, Lansing, MI 48909.
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| Last date updated: Saturday, February 4, 2006 3:33 PM |
