Maine Child Labor Laws
Maine first implemented child labor laws in 1847 during the Industrial Revolution to encourage education and prevent exploitation of children. Today, the Child Labor Law is administered by the Maine Department of Labor and focuses on education and personal development.
Child Labor Laws in Maine For Minors Under 14
Currently, Maine Child Labor Law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working in order to uphold the goals of education and personal development. The exception is that children of any age may work nonhazardous jobs with youth camps, hospitals, nursing homes, and municipalities. Minors under the age of 14 may work under direct parental supervision in noncommercial and manufacturing jobs and retail and service industries, except for hotels and motels. There is no age minimum for child acting jobs, although a specific work permit is required. Work in agriculture has no minimum age or hourly restriction and does not require a work permit.
Child Labor Laws in Maine For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
A school-approved work permit is required for this age group. Fourteen year olds can work nonhazardous jobs in restaurants, stores, gas stations, laundromats, and ice cream stands. Fourteen year olds may not work inside hotels or motels, but can do landscaping or grounds maintenance.
Fifteen year olds may work the same jobs as 14 year olds in addition to nonhazardous jobs in hotel and motel kitchens, lobbies, dining rooms, and offices. Fifteen year olds may not perform room service or enter hotel rooms or hallways leading to rooms.
Minors 14 and 15 years of age may not work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption. Also, no minors under the age of 16 may work in manufacturing and processing jobs. Fourteen and 15 year olds are prohibited from working in any job involving use of dangerous equipment, such as motor vehicles, power-driven machinery, and welding tools or jobs involving use of toxic chemicals.
The Maine Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group, including:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours on school days
- No more than eight hours on non-school days
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- May not work more than six days in a row
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm on school days
- No earlier than 5am or later than 7pm on non-school days
When public school is not in session:
- A maximum of 10 hours per day
- No more than 40 hours per week
- No more than six days in a row
- No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1st and Labor Day
Child Labor Laws in Maine For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
The Maine Department of Labor prohibits 16 and 17 year olds from working in environments that may endanger personal health or safety. Additionally, the following job areas are prohibited for this age group:
- Mining
- Manufacturing and Storing of Explosives
- Wrecking
- Roofing
- Excavating
- Demolition
- Power-driven Wood Working
- Hoisting apparatuses
- Paper production
- Metal Punching Machinery
The Maine Child Labor Laws outline the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than six hours per day
- A maximum of 24 hours per week
- No more than six days in a row
- No earlier than 7am or later than 10:15pm on school nights
- No earlier than 7am or later than 12am on non-school nights
When public school is not in session:
- A maximum of 10 hours per day
- A maximum of 50 hours per week
- No more than six days in a row
- No earlier than 5am or later than 12am