U.S. Department of Labor

When you work over the summer, you are on your way to learning valuable lessons that will

last your lifetime. Your employer will expect a lot from you...that you be on time and do your

best. Equally, your employer should treat you fairly, pay you fairly and provide a safe workplace.

Remember, even though you are a teenager, as a worker, you have rights under the Fair Labor

Standards Act (FLSA) and other laws, if your employer is covered by them.

YOUR RIGHTS

RIGHT ONE: It Pays To Work...And Work Must Pay

I have the right to a fair and full day’s pay for a fair and full day’s work...to have my hours of

work properly recorded and to be paid at least the federal minimum wage.

RIGHT TWO: Overtime Work = Overtime Pay

I have the right to overtime pay (at least time and one half my regular rate of pay) for every hour

I work beyond 40 hours a week. (However, this right arises under the FLSA, which contains

significant exemptions for some jobs that teen workers may perform.)

RIGHT THREE: Safety Is Part Of The Job

I have the right to a safe workplace and the right to file a complaint if the job is unsafe. I have

the right to required safety clothing, equipment and training.

Note: If I’m under 18, I’m prohibited from certain tasks: manufacturing/storing explosives; driving

a motor vehicle or being an outside helper on one, except under limited circumstances; coal

mining; logging/saw milling; using power driven wood-working, hoisting, slicing or baking

machines; being exposed to radioactive substances/ionizing radiations; mining; meat packing;

manufacturing brick, tile and related products; wrecking, demolition, and ship-breaking operations.

Limited exceptions apply for some apprentices and student learners. Additional restrictions apply

to workers 15 and younger. If I’m under 16, my employer is not permitted to have me work

past 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day.

RIGHT FOUR: No Harassment Hassles

I have the right to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex,

national origin or disability in an environment free of sexual and physical harassment.

 Some states have worker protections which exceed federal standards. Call your state

labor department for more information.

Work can provide an opportunity to make friends, earn a paycheck and gain experience. Work

should add to your life experience--not take away from it. Remember, you owe it to yourself and

your colleagues to provide the basic framework for a rewarding experience.

To have a more rewarding work experience, you might want to consider:

• asking your employer for a clear explanation of when you'll be paid, how 

much,and how often;

• asking your employer to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate 

your studies;

• asking your employer questions about safety; and

• treating your coworkers with respect; they should treat you the same way.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. It should not be relied upon

to determine what steps employees can or should take to identify and protect their legal rights.

THE TEEN

WORKERS’

BILL OF RIGHTS

Work safe this summer

Learn a lesson for a lifetime.