IDOL Reminds Employers, Families with Teen Workers of Child Labor Rights & Protections

By: Boom Boom Cabalona ,”X” Divinagracia, Christopher Miranda

 

SPRINGFIELD – Now that school is out, many teenagers are moving from the classroom into the summer workforce, and the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) wants to ensure that employers and families are aware of the steps that must be taken before a child begins work and while they’re on the job.

“Child labor laws are meant to protect some of the most vulnerable workers in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “We’ve seen too many stories in the national news about children being exploited or hurt at work. The rules in place allow young people to be employed in safe workplaces that don’t negatively impact their health or education.”

IDOL regulates employment of workers under 16-years-old. The law protects children by:

• requiring an employment certificate that confirms that a minor is old enough to work, physically capable of performing the job, and that the job will not interfere with the minor’s education (during school months);

• prohibiting work in hazardous occupations;

• prohibiting work in a place of business where alcohol is served or sold for consumption on site, and in places where alcohol is brewed, distilled and/or bottled; and

• limiting working hours: child workers are prohibited from working before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. during the school year, work until 9 p.m. is allowed from June 1 through Labor Day.

Additionally, Illinois law provides that child workers should earn a minimum of $12 per hour worked and should receive a 30-minute meal break for every five hours worked. Like all workers in Illinois, child workers are entitled to a day or rest after six consecutive days of work.

Possible violations of the Child Labor Law can be reported by emailing dol.childlaborcomplaints@illinois.gov, by visiting labor.illinois.gov/childlabor or by using DocuSign.

Federal law also regulates employment of minors between the ages of 16 and 18. More information on youth employment under federal law is available here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture

Daughters of Argel and Bernadeth Antiado in the picture, Chelsea Kate Antiado (Grade 11, accompanied by her sister Francesca Summer) and Samantha Aeriel Antiado (Grade 4), went up the stage to accept their “With Honors” award on Recognition day at San Jose Academy this May 2024.

Jordan Athan G. De Tablan, an Eldest son of proud Parents Chicoy & Lyka De Tablan, graduated elementary with an award of with “High Honors“ “Best in Araling Panlipunan” “Best in Music” and “Most Active Scout of the Year” at Daanghari Elementary School last May 27, 2024 while Jaden Antonny De Tablan, the youngest son received an award “With Honors” on their moving up last May 03, 2024 at Marysbee Learning School.

Johnmel Anthony Agojo, a Grade 12 student at San Jose Academy, received his diploma as a successful senior high school graduate. He was accompanied by his mother, Maria Anneliza De Tablan, and his grandfather, Antonio De Tablan, at the Manila Hotel on May 27, 2024.