District of Columbia Child Labor Laws
As our nation’s Capital, the reporting of political news has been big business for many years. Around 1900, boys as young as five could frequently be seen selling newspapers on street corners from early morning until all of their papers were sold. In 1928, the District of Columbia Child Labor Law restricted boys to be at least 12 years old to engage in street trades, such as newspaper sales.
Child Labor Laws in District of Columbia For Minors Under 14
The District of Columbia Child Labor Law states is administered by the Department of Employee Services and states that minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from working to ensure their health, safety, and welfare. There are a few exceptions, however. Children younger than 14 may work in the field of entertainment with a theatrical work permit. This permit allows all minors at least seven years old to appear in no more than two live performances per day nor more than eight live performances per week. They may not work earlier than 7am or later than 11:30pm. They may also do housework or agricultural work at the home of their parent or guardian or engage in the distribution or sale of newspapers in a public place.
Child Labor Laws in District of Columbia For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Child Labor Laws in the District of Columbia allow minors 14 and 15 years old to work in certain areas with the appropriate work permit. They may not work in establishments which serve or sell alcohol for consumption. Fourteen and 15 year olds are not allowed to work in jobs operating electrically powered machinery, or in oiling, wiping, or assisting with cleaning machinery unless it is part of a vocational education or training program.
They are prohibited from working in the Hazardous Occupations restricted to all minors under the age of 18 listed below.
The District of Columbia Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours on school days
- A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
- No more than six consecutive days per week
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
- No more than six consecutive days per week
Child Labor Laws in District of Columbia For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Child Labor Laws in the District of Columbia allow minors 16 and 17 to work in a variety of jobs with the appropriate work permit. There are restrictions against working at operating any freight or non-automatic elevator or in a quarry or tunnel. They may not work in establishments which serve or sell alcohol for consumption.
All minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in the following Hazardous Occupations as outlined by the State:
- Work with Explosives
- Driving a Motor Vehicle
- Manufacturing Brick/Tile
- Logging/Saw Milling
- Mining
- Exposure to Radiation Substances
- Work with Power-Driven Machinery
- Roofing
- Meat Packing/Processing
- Demolition
- Excavation
The District of Columbia Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours on school days
- A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 10pm
- No more than six consecutive days per week
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 10pm
- No more than six consecutive days per week