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Thousands of jobs soon will become available for teenagers hoping to gain valuable work experience as employers begin hiring for the busy summer months. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reminds employers, workers and parents to familiarize themselves with state and federal laws, as well as safety regulations that address child labor issues.
“Seasonal summer jobs offer young Texans an opportunity to earn income and gain valuable work experience,” said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken. “WorkInTexas.com and workforce center staffs are valuable resources as teens start their job searches.”
From April to June 2007, approximately 68,000 Texans found jobs, including teenagers eager to gain valuable vocational experience or earn their first paycheck.
“Texas employers rely on teen workers each summer and recognize youth as integral to their success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. “It is imperative that employers understand the types of work activities young workers can perform safely and legally, so they may benefit the most from the experience.”
Any person under the age of 18 is considered a child when employed. Federal and state child labor laws protect youth against potentially detrimental occupational settings or working conditions that could interfere with their safety, health or well-being.
Different child labor laws apply to different age groups. For example, teens who are age 16 or 17 can perform work for any number of hours, as long as it is not deemed hazardous by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Children 14 or 15 may perform a job beyond traditional school hours in some nonmanufacturing, nonmining and nonhazardous jobs, but only under certain conditions. Because operating power-driven lawnmowers is considered dangerous, 14- and 15-year-olds are prohibited from that activity, but children ages 16 and 17 are permitted to do so.
“Youth learn discipline while gaining valuable workforce experience in any number of long-term career prospects,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Earning extra money may be a primary goal, but working provides a great opportunity to execute the skills they learn in school and establish a strong work ethic.”
Job-related functions prohibited by law and considered inappropriate or unsafe for teens include any operations on or about a roof, jobs involving power-driven woodworking machines, employment involving manufacturing or storing explosives, and logging and sawmilling.
Teens seeking job-search assistance can visit their local workforce centers, a list of which can be found at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdas/wdamap.html.
For other information on prohibited jobs or those with restrictions, employers or prospective summer youth workers can visit http://youthrules.dol.gov/jobs.htm.
To learn more about child labor laws, call TWC’s Labor Law Section at (800) 832-9243 or (512) 837-9559, or visit online at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/lablaw/lablaw.html.
More employer or workers services are available online at www.texasworkforce.org.
© Copyright 2005-2008 by Kaufman County Online
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| Last Updated: Aug 13th, 2008 - 22:48:38 |
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