Can minors work in California? Here’s how and when it is allowed

Child Labor Laws in California: Protecting the Rights of Child Workers

Introduction

Earlier this year, a Subway sandwiches franchise in the Bay Area faced accusations of violating multiple child labor laws. While federal law provides some protections for minors in the workplace, California law goes further in ensuring the well-being of child workers. This report will outline the general rules in California regarding child workers, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that promote decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and quality education (SDG 4).

Wages for Child Workers

California law does not have an age-based provision that allows employers to pay youth employees below the federal minimum wage. However, there is an experienced-based exception. Employees with no previous similar or related experience can be paid 85% of the state minimum wage for the first 160 hours they work. This provision aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Working Hours for Child Workers

California law categorizes minors into four age groups to determine the hours they are allowed to work. If minors exceed the allowed hours, their work permit must be revoked. The law also requires employers to follow the scheduled school days of the public school system in the county where the minor resides, even if the child attends a private school. This ensures that child workers have access to quality education, as outlined in SDG 4.

Under 12

Minors below the age of 12 are generally prohibited from consistent employment, except in the entertainment industry. Within this industry, the number of hours a child under 12 can work varies by age. For babies aged 15 days to 6 months, the maximum hours allowed at a job site is 2. This provision ensures the protection and well-being of young child workers, aligning with SDG 8.

Ages 12 & 13

Children aged 12 and 13 can only work on days when there is no school. They are allowed to work up to eight hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week. During most of the school year, their working hours are limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, from June 1 to Labor Day, these hours extend to 9 p.m. This provision supports SDG 4 by allowing children to balance work and education.

Ages 14 & 15

Children aged 14 and 15, who have completed the 7th grade, are allowed to work up to three hours on school days and no more than 18 hours during the school week. On non-school days, they can work up to eight hours, with a maximum of 40 hours per week. Similar to children aged 12 and 13, their working hours are limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except during the summer when the hours extend. An exception applies if they work in “sports attending services” at professional baseball games, allowing them to work up to five hours a day and as late as 10 p.m. on a school night. These provisions support SDG 8 by promoting decent work for young individuals.

Ages 16 & 17

Children aged 16 and 17 are allowed to work four hours on school days and eight hours on non-school days or days immediately before a non-school day. They can work up to 48 hours over the course of a week. Their working hours are generally between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., with an extension until 12:30 a.m. on nights before nonschool days. These provisions align with SDG 8 by promoting decent work and economic growth for older teens.

Prohibited Occupations

Children under the age of 18 are generally prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, such as coal mining, manufacturing or storing explosives, operating power-driven meat processing machines, or roofing operations. There are also certain duties in food service and retail jobs that children under 16 are not allowed to perform. These restrictions ensure the safety and well-being of child workers, supporting SDG 8.

Conclusion

California’s child labor laws provide important protections for young workers, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. By ensuring fair wages, limiting working hours, and prohibiting hazardous occupations, California promotes decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) while safeguarding the right to quality education (SDG 4) for child workers. It is crucial for employers to adhere to these laws to create a safe and supportive environment for young individuals in the workforce.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 4: Quality Education

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 8.7: Number of children involved in child labor.
• Indicator for SDG 4.4: Percentage of youth with relevant skills for employment.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: fox40.com

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