Section 2.2 Work-Based Learning
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are considered equal. Pay exceptions may occur for differences in
seniority, skill, productivity, services performed, or shift time. Any
violation of equal-pay requirements encountered by employees should
be reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC). The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
is a federal agency that oversees equal employment opportunities for
all Americans.
As a trainee, you will not be entitled to the same pay level as an
employee. However, your pay as a trainee should match the pay that
other trainees receive for doing the same work.
Child Labor Standards
The FLSA child-labor provision is designed to serve two functions.
It protects the educational opportunities of children. It also prohibits
the employment of children in jobs that may be hazardous to their
health or well-being. Your state may have laws that are stricter than
these provisions, particularly as they apply to full-time students. See
Figure 2-2 for an overview of child-labor standards.
A special provision applies to 14- and 15-year-olds enrolled in an
approved work program through school. They may be employed for
up to 23 hours per school week and three hours per school day even
during school hours.
The minimum age for most nonfarm work is 14. However, young
people of any age may deliver newspapers or work for parents in a
nonfarm business. They may also perform in radio, television, movie,
or other theatrical productions.
Limits on Work by Age
18-year-olds…
¶ are not subject to
federal child labor laws.
¶ can work at any job for
any number of hours.
16- and 17-year-olds…
¶ may work at any nonhazardous job for
any number of hours.
¶ cannot work at hazardous jobs,
including operating motor vehicles or
power-driven machinery, working with
explosives, and jobs in construction,
demolition, and other fields.
14- and 15-year-olds…
¶ may work outside school hours in
various nonmanufacturing, nonmining,
and nonhazardous jobs.
¶ may not work longer than three hours per
school day or 18 hours per school week.
¶ may work no longer than eight hours
per day or 40 hours per week during
nonschool periods.
¶ may not begin work before 7 a.m. or
extend past 7 p.m. and no later than
9 p.m. in the summer.
Figure 2-2.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Federal and state laws place restrictions on the type and duration of work a young person can perform.