Child Labor Laws: Hours Worked

If you’re under the age of 18, it’s important to know your rights as an employee. Many high-school aged individuals work jobs, and knowing the law is the first step in defending yourself. If your employer is breaking child labor laws, it’s your duty to stand up for your rights. Contact the Austin employment lawyers of The Melton Law Firm by calling (512) 330-0017 today.

Federal Rights

There are two levels of laws concerning child labors: those at the federal level, which apply to all states, and those at the state level, which are specific to certain states. The most comprehensive law concerning child labor in the United States is the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA. Under it, children aged 14 or 15:

• Cannot work during school hours;
• Cannot work more than three hours on a school day or eight hours on a non-school day;
• Cannot work more than 18 hours in a school week or 40 hours in a non-school week;
• May only work between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm during the school year, and between 7 am and 9 pm during
  the summer.

There are no restrictions for children over 16.

Texas Rights

Additionally, minors working in Texas have the following rights concerning the hours they work:

• A child aged 14 or 15 cannot work more than eight hours in one day or 48 hours in one week.
• A child aged 14 or 15 cannot work between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am on a day followed by a school
  day, or midnight and 5 am on a day that is not followed by a school day.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love is having his or her rights violated by an employer, contact the Austin employment attorneys of The Melton Law Firm today by calling (512) 330-0017.