how does the fair lady standards act protect workers who are 16-17 years old

Answer 1

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protects workers who are 16-17 years old by setting certain regulations and standards for their employment. Here are some ways in which the FLSA protects these workers:

1. Minimum Wage: The FLSA establishes a federal minimum wage that applies to all workers, regardless of their age. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This means that employers cannot pay 16-17-year-old workers less than the minimum wage.

2. Hours and Work Restrictions: The FLSA sets limits on the number of hours that 16-17-year-old workers can work during different periods. During regular school weeks, they can work up to 3 hours per day on school days and 8 hours per day on non-school days. They can work a maximum of 18 hours per week during school weeks. However, during non-school weeks, like summer or vacation breaks, they can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.

3. Hazardous Jobs: The FLSA also restricts 16-17-year-old workers from performing hazardous jobs that are deemed too dangerous for their age group. These jobs include operating heavy machinery, working with certain power tools, mining, excavation, manufacturing, or jobs that require them to work at dangerous heights. These restrictions aim to protect young workers from potential harm and injury.

4. Breaks and Rest Periods: The FLSA requires employers to provide reasonable breaks or rest periods to 16-17-year-old workers. While there is no specific duration mentioned by the FLSA, breaks of at least 30 minutes are generally considered standard. These breaks ensure that young workers have appropriate rest time during their shifts.

It is important to note that individual states may have additional labor laws that further protect the rights of 16-17-year-old workers. These state-specific laws often provide more stringent regulations or unique provisions. It is crucial for employers and workers to be aware of both federal and state labor laws to ensure compliance and protection.