California Rules for Working Minors
Employing Minors? Know the Rules.
This is perhaps a larger issue in CA than many other states, with the film industry employing many children these laws should be well understood.
Going back to school means that employers need to brush up on their child labor laws. It’s hard to think of someone who is 17 as a child, but California law defines a minor under the California Labor Code as any person under the age of 18 years who is required to attend school under the provisions of the Education Code; however, high school graduates under the age of 18, who are not subject to the compulsory education laws, are entirely excluded from work permit requirements, work hour restrictions, and all occupational prohibitions. This means if they have already graduated high school or received an equivalent certificate the may work as an adult.
Permit to Work Required
All minors under the age of 18 must have a permit to work in the State of California. Furthermore, employers are required to have their work permits on file ready at all times for an inspection by school and labor officials. These permits must be acquired by the minors parents and in many cases require proof that the parent or legal guardian has set up a Coogan Account in order to protect the child’s earnings.
Wages Earned by Minors
Minors must be paid at least the minimum wage rate and any overtime rates as established by the California Industrial Welfare Commission.
Number of Hours Allowed
If school is in session, children between the ages of 16 and 17 can work no more than four (4) hours on a school day. Minors 16 to 17 years of age can work eight (8) hours on any non-school day or any day preceding a non-school day with a maximum of 48 hours per week.
Children between the ages of 14 and 15 years old are allowed to work no more than three (3) hours per school day outside of school hours if school is in session and eight (8) hours on any non-school day with a maximum of 18 hours per week.
There are special provisions for the film and television industries, which require a full work day. In these cases there are many requirements of the employer including, a licensed teacher being on sit to complete the requisite time and content of schoolwork each day.
If you are a minor or parent of a minor and believe your employer has broken these or other laws, Please Contact UELG right away, you only have a short amount of time to report wrongdoing. We are here to help.
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