The days of widespread child labor in the United States are long past, but some protections remain necessary for those younger than 18 who work in New Jersey. Understanding these requirements is important for teenagers, parents and employers alike.
Once a child has received an offer of employment, he or she should obtain a Form A300 employment certificate. These are available from the New Jersey Department of Education, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development or from the child’s school district. The employer must complete a portion of the form and the child must obtain work clearance from a physician. The child then submits the form, the doctor’s note and proof of age to the school district, which then issues an employment certificate.
The type of work a child may accept depends on his or her age:
- Children of any age may accept work as actors.
- Children 11 or older can deliver newspapers.
- Children 12 or older can do farm work.
- Children 14 or older may perform most work but may not work in establishments licensed for alcohol.
- Children 16 or older may generally work anywhere not specifically restricted by the Child Labor Law. Some examples of restricted work include mining, construction, shipbuilding, slaughterhouses, billiard rooms, steel mills, foundries and junk yards.
Minors also may not work more than 40 hours per week. While minors are generally entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage, there are exceptions for some types of work. If your child has been treated or paid unfairly, a New Jersey employment law attorney may be able to help.
Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…
Bruce L. Atkins is the senior managing partner at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt P.C., a prominent plaintiff employment law firm in the tri-state area. Mr. Atkins believes employees’ rights should be aggressively pursued when they’ve been wrongfully dealt with by their employers. He brings this philosophy to his practice when considering each case and its…
Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015. He primarily represents individuals in employment litigation such as discrimination, retaliation and whistle blowing matters. He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in a sexual…
Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…
Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…
