Maine Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Maine Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Maine and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details Maine's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Maine
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Maine for minors under 16. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
Acquiring a Maine Employment Certificate:
In Maine, Employment Certificates for minors are issued by the Maine Department of Labor. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in Maine
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in Maine. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Maine
Minors who are authorized to work in Maine are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
Maximum hours/days when school is not in session: 8 hours daily / 40 hours weekly/ 6 days weekly.
Maximum hours/days when school is in session: 3 hours daily/ 18 hours weekly.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
The following limitations apply to minors who are enrolled in school:
10 hours of work per day, 50 hours per week, up to 6 (consecutive) days per week when school is not in session.
6 hours of work per day (except 8 on last scheduled day of school week), 24 hours per week, up to 6 (consecutive) per week are allowed when school is in session.
Notes: Minors under age 18 enrolled in school may work up to 50 hours during any week that school is in session less than 3 days or during the first or last week of the school calendar, regardless of how many days school is in session for the week.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer vacation) to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: If enrolled in school: 10:15 p.m. (12 a.m. before non-school day) to 7 a.m. on day the minor's school is in session, and to 5 a.m. otherwise.
Special Child Labor Laws in Maine
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in Maine, see the following pages.
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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