Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act

Hours of Work

100

What are the hours a 14 - 15 year old can work ?

Not before 7 AM and not after 9 PM on ANY day. The federal government has their own restrictions.

200

What are the hours a 16-17 year old can work?

Not before 5 AM and not after 11 PM on an evening before school. With the permission of a parent/guardian, they can start at 4:30 a.m. and work until 11:30 p.m.

300

True or false: A minor can work during school hours.

True. If a minor under the age of 16 wishes to work during the school day, he/she must first secure an employment certificate.

400

Name two exceptions to prohibited occupations for minors and minimum age laws.

Entertainers/Models; youth sports referees; paper carriers; child labor exemption permits; parent owned corporations

500

Is there a maximum number of hours a 15 year old can work? What about maximum number of hours worked for a 17 year old?

15 year olds cannot work more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period, and no more than 40 hours per week. There is no maximum/limited number of hours that a 16 -17 can work.

Wages

100

____ is the Minnesota state minimum wage. ____ is the federal minimum wage.

What is $11.13 for all employers. The training wage for those under 20yrs old is $9.08 for the first 90 days of employment. (Minnesota) What is $7.25 per hour. (Federal)

200

True or False: You must be paid every 2 weeks.

False. Employers are required to pay their employees at least every 31 days.

300

Scenario: Lately the cash drawer Bob has been working at has come up short. The total over the past two weeks comes to $212.56. The employer accuses Bob of stealing, and deducts the $212.56 from the next paycheck. Can the employer do that?

No. Employers can only deduct from wages for uniforms if the employee makes more than minimum wage, and the amount cannot exceed $50.00. Once the employee quits or is terminated, the uniform deduction must be credited back to the employee.

400

True or False: You must share tips with co-workers and supervisors; and all tips that you make are counted towards your wages.

False. Tip pooling/tip sharing may not be required, but can be done voluntarily in Minnesota. Tip credits are also not allowed in Minnesota. This means employers cannot use tips toward payment of minimum wages.

500

This document must be provided to you each time you are paid.

Earnings statement, statement of earnings, and/or paystub.

Occupations

100

Leif, a 15 year old boy, is driving his truck back from the local feed store when he is pulled over 16 miles from his family farm. Will Leif be in trouble for driving a truck at 15 years old?

No/Maybe. As long as he has completed driver’s education and has a valid restricted farm work license, he can drive within a 20 mile radius of his family farmstead.

200

True or false: Minors under age 18 can work for construction company as long as a family member owns the company.

False. The minor’s parent or guardian must own AND supervise the daily operations of the company in order for them to work.

300

Can minors under 16 use sidewalk type snow blowers and other power-driven lawn and garden equipment while employed?

No. However, if they are mowing their neighbor's lawn or snow blowing their neighbor's driveway there is no violation; even if they are getting paid for it.

400

Kate is 16 and is employed as a hostess at Route 66 Bar and Grill. After working for 6 months the employers think she would make a great server, so Kate begins serving. Is there anything wrong with this?

Yes. Since Route 66 is a bar and grill where liquor is dispensed, sold, and served, Kate can only be a hostess. If they were only serving 3.2 percent beer, then Kate could be a server.

500

Drills, meat slicers, power saws, sandblasters and other power operated tools can be used by minors as long as they are supervised by an adult.

No. Employees under age 18 cannot use power tools at all in the workplace.

Etc.

100

ESST stands for this.

Earned Sick and Safe Time

200

Name 2 things ESST can be used for.

Your own illness, a family member's illness, funeral, doctor's appointment, domestic violence situations, stalking issues, absence due to sexual assault, preventative care needs for you or your family.

300

If an individual works for 4 hours, their break should consist of _______; if they work 8 hours, their break should consist of ___________.

Enough time to use the restroom; enough time to eat a meal. If the meal break is less than 20 minutes, then it has to be counted as hours worked.

400

Name a document that is an acceptable proof of age document.

Birth certificate, driver's license or learner's permit, age certificate from school, or a complete I - 9 form.

500

True or False: An employer needs to give notice and a valid reason before terminating an individual.

False. Minnesota is an “at will” employment state. An employer can terminate an individual for any reason at any time, as long as the reason is not in violation of human rights laws. Similarly, an employee can terminate or resign from their employment at any time for any reason.