Illinois Child Labor Law limits hours and type work, prioritizes education

[JUNE 27, 2006]  CHICAGO -- As Illinois teenagers find jobs during their summer break, the Illinois Department of Labor reminds students and employers about a state law that outlines protections and requirements for children in the workplace.

"The Illinois Department of Labor makes children's safety in the workplace and their education a top priority, and these guidelines are a reminder on how teenagers should balance their time between work and doing their homework," said Art Ludwig, director of the Department of Labor. "We want to ensure that students know the rules when they look for jobs and that employers know the law when they hire minors."

The Department of Labor enforces the Illinois Child Labor Law, which regulates the employment of workers who are less than 16 years old. The law requires that minors ages 14 and 15 obtain employment certificates from their local high school or school administration office. This certificate confirms that a minor is old enough to work, is physically capable to perform the job and that the job will not interfere with the minor's education. The law prohibits work in hazardous occupations, limits working hours and requires that minors working five or more continuous hours receive a 30-minute meal period.

Procedures for teenagers:

• When a student finds a job, he or she will need a "letter of intent to hire" from the prospective employer. It must outline the hours the student will be working and the type of work.

• After checking the safety of the work and for any conflicts in school schedule, the school must issue an employment certificate in order for the student to work.

Procedure for employers:

• Employers who employ 14- or 15-year-olds must require them to provide an employment certificate, which the employer must maintain on the premises.

The Illinois Child Labor Law allows children ages 14 and 15 to work during the school year:

• Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• Up to three hours per school day, but not more than eight hours per day when school and work are combined.

• Up to eight hours on a non-school day.

• Up to 24 hours a week, but not more than six consecutive days.

During summer break, June 1 through Labor Day:

• Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

• Up to 48 hours a week, but not more than six consecutive days.

Work is prohibited in any capacity:

• On premises where liquor is served.

• In occupations at filling or service stations, including the retail portion thereof.

• In occupations requiring the use of power-driven machinery.

• In most occupations in logging and sawmilling.

• Any occupation in construction, including demolition and repair.

• Occupations involving the use of ladders, scaffolds or their substitutes.

• Occupations involving contact with moving vehicles.

• Occupations involving laundry, dry-cleaning or rug cleaning.

There are a few exceptions, such as baby-sitting, yardwork and other work in private homes. Children under the age of 14 generally are not employable, with the exceptions noted above; however, 13-year-olds can work as golf caddies, and 12- and 13-year-olds can officiate certain youth sports activities.

For a complete list of hazardous occupations, contact the Illinois Department of Labor at 312-793-2804. To file a child labor complaint, call 1 [phone] or print out a complaint form from www.state.il.us/agency/idol.

[Illinois Department of Labor news release]