Child Labor Law in Wisconsin

Wisconsin child labor laws protect children from hazardous occupations.

The child labor law in Wisconsin restricts the type of occupations that teenage workers are allowed to perform. Child labor laws protect children from hazardous work environments as well as working excessive hours that could jeopardize school performance. Teenagers can benefit from working by earning money and learning how to manage time and the value of money.

Work Permits

Wisconsin requires teens under age 18 to obtain a work permit before beginning employment. Teens must already have the job lined up before applying for a work permit. The employer will provide the teen with an employment statement that details the job, requirements and hours that the teen will be working in the position. Teens must also provide proof of age, written consent from parents and a fee paid to the state for the work permit. Employers reimburse the teen for the work permit fee in the first paycheck.

Employers must keep the work permit in the place of employment for the teen's entire length of service.

Age Restrictions

Children under 14 are not allowed to work in Wisconsin except in specific situations. Children age 12 and older can work as golf caddies, farmhands and entertainers. Younger children are also allowed to work in a business owned by their family.

Hours of Employment

The state of Wisconsin restricts the hours that a minor can work in a business. Children age 14 and 15 can work up to four hours on school days, except the last day of the school week. During days when school is not in session and the last day of the school week, 14 and 15 year old children are allowed to work eight hours. The total hours a 14 and 15 year old can work during non school weeks is 40 hours and 18 hours when school is in session. Children in this age group can work 24 hours during partial school weeks.

Minors age 16 and 17 can work an unlimited number of hours during days in a non school week and eight hours on non school days when school is in session during the week. On school days, the 16 and 17 year old can work five hours in one day. A teen in this age group can work up to 50 hours during non school weeks and 26 hours during weeks when school is in session. Children can work 32 hours during partial school weeks at age 16 and 17.

Breaks

Wisconsin child labor laws require employers to provide a minor with a 30-minute meal break when the child is working six consecutive hours.

Prohibited Occupations

Wisconsin prohibits teens from working in some hazardous occupations such as those where power driven machinery is used. Children under age 16 are not allowed to work in occupations where manufacturing is performed or use any machinery to perform the job such as landscaping equipment. Children are not allowed to work in places where betting takes place. Workers who are 17, but have graduated from high school are not restricted from work in prohibited occupations.

References

• Wisconsin Department for Workforce Development: Child Labor