Prairie State Wire

As the school year concludes, many teenagers transition from classrooms to summer jobs. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) aims to ensure that employers and families understand the necessary steps before a child begins work and during their employment.

"Child labor laws are meant to protect some of the most vulnerable workers in Illinois," stated 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 oversees the employment of workers under 16 years old. The law mandates:

- An employment certificate confirming that a minor is old enough to work, physically capable of performing the job, and that the job will not interfere with their education during school months.

- Prohibition of work in hazardous occupations.

- Prohibition of work in businesses where alcohol is served or sold for on-site consumption, as well as places where alcohol is brewed, distilled, or bottled.

- Restrictions on working hours: minors cannot work before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. during the school year; however, they may work until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.

Additionally, Illinois law stipulates that child workers must earn a minimum wage of $12 per hour and receive a 30-minute meal break for every five hours worked. Child workers are also entitled to a day of rest after six consecutive days of work.

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

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