I. Policy Statement
Family Promise of Puget Sound (FPOPS) is committed to full compliance with the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and all applicable Washington State laws governing the employment of minors. FPOPS’s commitment to Child Protection extends to the employment of any worker under the age of 18, ensuring that their work does not interfere with their schooling, health, or well-being.
II. PurposeThe purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines, restrictions, and procedural requirements for the recruitment, hiring, and employment of minors (employees under 18 years of age) to ensure FPOPS operates in strict legal compliance.
III. ScopeThis policy applies to all prospective and current employees under the age of 18 (minors) and all FPOPS managers, supervisors, and agents involved in the recruitment, hiring, scheduling, or supervision of minors.
IV. Guiding PrinciplesLegal Priority: Federal and State Child Labor laws take precedence over any operational needs or scheduling convenience. Where state law and federal law differ, FPOPS will adhere to the standard that provides the greater protection to the minor.
Safety First: Minors will never be assigned to duties designated as hazardous or detrimental to their health or moral well-being. Documentation: Strict adherence to all documentation requirements, including work permits, is mandatory prior to the minor commencing work. V. DefinitionsMinor: For the purposes of this policy, an individual under 18 years of age.
Permit to Employ: A required form issued by the State of Washington that must be obtained and kept on file for all employed minors. Hazardous Occupations: Specific jobs or tasks identified by the FLSA and Washington State law as too dangerous for minors under 18 to perform. VI. Policy GuidelinesA. Age and Employment Restrictions
FPOPS will only employ minors who meet the following general federal standards:
Ages 16 and 17: May be employed in any non-hazardous occupation for unlimited hours. Ages 14 and 15: Employment is limited to specific, non-manufacturing, and non-hazardous jobs (e.g., office work, clerical duties) and is subject to strict hourly and time-of-day restrictions. Under Age 14: FPOPS does not employ individuals under the age of 14, except as may be permitted for specific, legally recognized exceptions (e.g., occasional yard work, non-profit volunteer work that does not constitute employment). B. Hours Restrictions for 14- and 15-Year-OldsMinors aged 14 and 15 are subject to the following time restrictions during school terms and non-school terms:
Time Restriction School Term (When School is in Session) Non-School Term (Summer/Holidays) Daily Hours Maximum of 3 hours per school day Maximum of 8 hours per day Weekly Hours Maximum of 18 hours per week Maximum of 40 hours per week Time of Day Work must occur between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM Work must occur between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM Note: The 7:00 PM restriction for school terms is extended to 9:00 PM during summer and officially recognized school vacations. C. Prohibited Hazardous OccupationsEmployees under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from performing tasks identified as “hazardous occupations” under federal and state law, which includes, but is not limited to:
Driving a motor vehicle on public roads as part of the job (except for limited and legally specified incidental driving). Operating power-driven machinery (e.g., meat processing machines, woodworking machines, bakery machines). Work involving explosives, mining, logging, or roofing operations. Any work in or about FPOPS’s kitchen facilities involving deep fat fryers, power-driven food slicers, or cleaning of such equipment. D. Required DocumentationBefore any minor may begin working, the following documentation must be completed and kept in the employee’s personnel file:
State-Issued Permit: A valid Washington State Minor Work Permit or Permit to Employ must be obtained. Proof of Age: A birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, or other satisfactory evidence of age must be provided. VII. ResponsibilitiesHiring Manager/Supervisor: Is responsible for verifying the minor’s age, ensuring the necessary Minor Work Permit is obtained before the first day of work, and strictly adhering to the hours and job duty restrictions when creating schedules and assigning tasks.
Minor Employee: Is responsible for informing their supervisor immediately if a schedule conflicts with their school attendance or rest periods. CEO/HR: Is responsible for maintaining accurate records of minor work permits and ensuring all management personnel are trained on child labor compliance requirements. VIII. Complaint Procedure and External ResourcesEmployees (minors or their parents/guardians) who have questions about Child Labor laws or believe FPOPS has violated the law should contact:
External Contact (Primary): The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division, or the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Internal Contact (For Policy Questions): The CEO or Human Resources. IX. Policy Review and RevisionThis policy will be reviewed by the CEO and/or HR as needed to ensure continued compliance with state and federal Child Labor laws and may be revised at the discretion of FPOPS.