After being hired at a job, it is an all too familiar experience of walking to the office at the beginning or end of the school day to pick up a work permit.
The student is asked their age by the secretaries and given a sheet of paper that is to be given to the employer and then returned back to school. This seems like a simple task that is just part of getting a job as a minor, but what exactly is the purpose of the work permit?
In short, work permits are put in place to protect both the employer and the employee. The certificate protects employers from the persecution of employing an underaged worker (dol.gov) and work permits protect minors from being overworked by their employers.
Work permits are required by all children under the age of 18, before permitted to work, with or without pay, until the document is on file (Michigan.gov).
Michigan’s work permit (CA-7 Michigan Work Permit and Age Certificate) states that the minimum age of employment is 14. There are a few minor exceptions to children 11 years and older working in youth athletic programs, and children 13 and older working services of setting traps and clays for marksmanship events.
The work permit sets out the requirements and limitations on work week hours for minors, which differ by age.
For ages 14-15, minors cannot work more than three hours on a school day, and weekly hours during a school week can not exceed 18 hours. On non-school days, they can work up to eight hours a day and can not exceed more than 40 hours during a non-school week. This age group must also stay in the parameters of working only between the hours of 7 a.m and 7 p.m, except from June 1 to Labor day when night time hours can be extended to 9 p.m. (dol.gov).
Minors ages 16-17 have a bit more hourly freedom.
16-17 year olds can work no more than six days in a week, with the daily hourly average not to exceed eight hours. They can work no more than 24 hours during a school week and no more than 48 in a non-school week. They also cannot work more than five continuous hours without an uninterrupted 30 minutes or more meal or rest period.
While deemed a necessary piece of paperwork, a work permit goes beyond that. It is used to protect minors’ rights and employer integrity and protection. So before you forget, turn in your permit so you’re assured peace of mind.