Virginia Child Labor Laws
The first permanent English settlement was in Jamestown, Virginia. Throughout its history, Virginia has been the center of tobacco farming with minors playing a significant role in agricultural work. Early child labor laws were enacted to address this issue.
Child Labor Laws in Virginia For Minors Under 14
Virginia Child Labor Laws are administered by the Department of Labor and Industry and state that minors younger than 14 are not permitted to work to ensure their physical, mental, and emotional development. There are a few exceptions, however. Those 12 and 13 may work in newspaper delivery. Acting jobs and work at businesses owned by the parent or guardian are permissible. They may also work in non-hazardous positions on farms, gardens, and orchards outside school hours.
Child Labor Laws in Virginia For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Virginia allows 14 and 15 year olds to work in certain jobs with a work permit. Among the allowed employment for this age group are jobs in bowling alleys, restaurants, and public swimming pools.
They may not work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
Additionally, there is a Hazardous Occupations list below from which all minors in Virginia are restricted.
Virginia Child Labor Law details 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
- May start delivering newspapers at 4am
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
- May start delivering newspapers at 4am
Child Labor Laws in Virginia For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors 16 and 17 may work in a variety of jobs but do not need to have a work permit. They may be employed in such places as hotels, movie theaters, and retail outlets.
They may not work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
Additionally, there is a Hazardous Occupations list from which all minors are restricted as follows:
- Manufacturing
- Logging or Saw Milling
- Mining
- Roofing
- Meat Packing
- Serving Alcoholic Beverages
Virginia 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 schedule restrictions
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No schedule restrictions