Alabama Child Labor Laws
Alabama was among the first of the Southern states to pass child labor legislation and played a key role in the establishment of the National Child Labor Committee in 1904. The Alabama Child Labor Law prohibits minors from working in “occupations or places of employment, which could be hazardous to their health or moral well-being.” The law regulates the hours during which minors can work to protect their right to education.
Child Labor Laws in Alabama For Minors Under 14
Currently the Alabama Child Labor Law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working because of the importance of maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional development. They may not work in any trade or occupation performed in a street or public place, such as distributing newspapers, magazines, or candy unless it is for educational, charitable, religious, scientific, historical, literary, or nonprofit organizations or is done on a volunteer basis. However, with parental permission they may do light work, which are jobs not likely to be harmful to the child’s health, safety, moral development, or affect their ability to attend school.
Child Labor Laws in Alabama For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Minors in this age group may work in certain jobs but not ones considered to be hazardous. According to Alabama child labor laws, employers for 14-15 year olds must obtain a Class I Labor Certificate and use the Employee Information Form, which shows proof of age and time records, including number of hours worked per day, starting and ending times, and break times. Employers must also obtain and keep on file an Eligibility to Work Form, which can be obtained by the minor from their school.
No minor 14-15 is allowed to work in an establishment that serves alcohol for consumption on the premises.
The laws outline the restrictions for this age group, including,
When public school is in session:
- No more than 3 hours on a school day or 8 hours on a non-school day.
- No more than 6 days per week
- No more than 18 hours per week
- Not before 7am or after 7pm any day of the week
- Not during school hours (8am-3pm)
When public school is not in session:
- No more than 8 hours per day
- No more than 6 days per week
- No more than 40 hours per week
- Not before 7am or after 9pm any day of the week
Minors 14-15 working more than 5 continuous hours must have a 30 minute documented break.
Child Labor Laws in Alabama For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a variety of jobs but not in those considered too hazardous. Employers for 16-17 year old’s must obtain a Class II Labor Certificate and also use the Employee Information Form. The Child Labor Law details the guidelines, including,
When public school is in session:
- May not work before 5am or later than 10pm on a night preceding a school day.
- Do not have a restriction on the number of hours worked.
- Are not required to have a break.
When public school is not in session:
- Do not have a restriction on the times or number of hours worked.
- Are not required to have a break.
