Connecticut Child Labor Laws
As one of the first states in the U.S., Connecticut followed with other New England states in employing children in factories because they were considered easier to manage and cheaper than adult laborers. However, in 1813, Connecticut became the first state to pass a child labor law, requiring employers to provide schooling for child workers in reading, writing, mathematics, and moral instruction. Minimum work ages were not established until 1900 in non-agricultural occupations.
Child Labor Laws in Connecticut For Minors Under 14
Currently, the Connecticut 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. There are some light jobs available to those under 14 with parental permission.
Child Labor Laws in Connecticut For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Minors in this age group may work in certain jobs but are restricted due to safety concerns and physical restrictions. Youth in this age group may work in street trades, such as newspaper delivery, babysitting, agriculture, acting, golf caddies, household chores (including yardwork), professional offices, hospitals, hotels (no laundry services), and banks. Those in this age group do not need a work permit unless they work as a caddy or in a mercantile business as a sacker. They may not work in an establishment which sells or serves alcohol.
The laws for this age group include,
When public school is in session:
- No work during school hours
- Not earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
- Not more than three hours per day on school days
- Not more than eight hours per day on non-school days
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
When public school is not in session:
- A maximum of eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- Not earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
Child Labor Laws in Connecticut 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, including mining, manufacturing and storing of explosives, working with power tools, baking, automotive maintenance, or driving motor vehicles. They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol. Those in this category are required to obtain a work permit prior to starting a job.
The Child Labor Law places restrictions, including,
When public school is in session:
- Not earlier than 6am or later than 11pm
- A maximum of six hours per day
- A maximum of 32 hours per week during school weeks
- May work 8 hours per day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
When public school is not in session:
- Not earlier than 6am and later than 11pm depending on the industry
- A maximum of eight hours per day
- Not more than 48 hours per week
- May work up to six days per week
Minors 16-17 not enrolled in school may work up to eight hours per day, 48 hours per week, and up to six days per week in retail industry locations. In restaurant, mechanical, recreation, amusement, and theater, they may work up to nine hours per day, 48 hours per week, up to six days per week. Those who have graduated are not subject to the restrictions of Connecticut child labor laws, but will remain under federal guidelines for child labor.