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Labor Department Reminds Employers And Minors Of Responsibilities And Rights Under Alaska's Child Labor Law

May 22, 2002
No. 02-28

With the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation just around the corner, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) reminds employers and children entering the workforce of their responsibilities and rights.

"Many minors embark on their first jobs during summer vacation," Labor Commissioner Ed Flanagan said. "It's important for them to know what to expect in the workplace and to be aware of their rights as employees."

The primary child labor violation reported to the Wage and Hour Division is an employer's failure to get a work permit approved prior to employing a minor. If an employer complies with the work permit requirement, violations concerning hazardous occupations are significantly reduced by DOL's approval/denial process. Other common violations involve scheduling 14 and 15 year olds to work beyond hourly restrictions and failure to provide required breaks to workers under 18 years of age.

The requirement for obtaining a work permit before employment of a child has been modified by HB 128 recently passed by the legislature.

If signed into effect by Governor Knowles, the legislation allows employers to obtain advance approval for specific duties, which may be performed by minors age 14 through 17. Under the new law an employer may submit proposed job duties for minor workers to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in advance. If the duties are permissible for children in that age group, the Commissioner will approve those duties for minors to perform.

With the approved listed duties in hand, an employer may employ minors without having the individual pre-approved work permit. However, within seven calendar days of employment, the employer must file with the Commissioner of Labor a written consent from the parent or guardian of the minor employed. The minor's parent or legal guardian must sign this written consent before the child begins work.

For more information about work permits, the pending new procedures or any other aspects of Alaska's child labor law, contact the Wage and Hour Division of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development at the following numbers and locations:

                                                   Juneau (907) 465-4842
                                                Anchorage (907) 269-4900
                                                 Fairbanks (907) 451-2886

A summary of Alaska's child labor law is also available online.
 

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