Happy International Youth Day! Today, we're diving into something super important for anyone who's working a part-time job, hustling during the summer, or starting out in their career: your rights as a young worker. It's all about making sure you get treated fairly at work, whether it's about how much you're getting paid, how many hours you're working, or the conditions you're working in. Let's break it down in a way that makes sense, with some real stories that show why this matters.

The Basics: What You Need to Know About Youth Labor Laws

So, first things first—labor laws are there to protect you, especially when you're just starting out in the workforce. In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the main law that covers this stuff. It's got your back when it comes to things like how old you have to be to work certain jobs, how many hours you can work, and making sure you get paid what you deserve.

Minimum Age and Work Hours:

• If you're under 14, the FLSA says you can't work most jobs (with a few exceptions, like babysitting or newspaper delivery). Once you hit 14, you can work, but there are limits on how many hours you can put in. For example, during the school year, you can only work up to 3 hours on a school day and 8 hours on a non-school day. And during the summer, there's a cap at 40 hours a week.
• Once you turn 16, you can work more hours, but there are still some jobs that are off-limits, especially those that are considered dangerous.

Minimum Wage:

• Everyone's heard of minimum wage, right? For most jobs, that's at least $7.25 per hour. But here's the catch—if you're under 20, there's something called the “youth minimum wage,” which is $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of your job. After that, your employer has to bump you up to the regular minimum wage.

Real Talk: Cases That Show Why This Matters

Let's get into some real-world examples that show why these laws are so important.

Case 1: Exploitation in Agriculture

• A while back, a report revealed that young workers, some as young as 12, were working crazy hours in agriculture—think long days in the sun, with little pay and not much protection. These kids were doing dangerous work, and the whole situation highlighted how vulnerable young workers can be, especially in industries like farming where the rules are different.

Case 2: Wage Theft at Fast Food Chains

• Fast food joints like McDonald's and Burger King got called out in 2019 for not following the rules. Young workers were pulling longer shifts than allowed, missing out on breaks, and not getting paid properly. After getting sued, these companies had to pay up, and it sent a clear message that breaking the rules isn't okay.

Protecting Yourself: Spotting the Red Flags

When you're new to working, it can be hard to know if something's not right. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Wage Theft:

• This is when your boss doesn't pay you for all the hours you worked, doesn't pay overtime, or makes illegal deductions from your paycheck. It happens more than you think, especially to young workers who might not know what they're entitled to.

Unsafe Work Conditions:

• Some jobs are riskier than others, but you should never be put in a situation where your safety is at risk. If you're asked to do something dangerous or if the workplace doesn't feel safe, that's a big red flag.

Getting Paid What You're Worth: The Deal with Minimum Wage

Minimum wage is supposed to be the baseline of what you get paid, but not everyone plays by the rules. While the “youth minimum wage” might apply for the first 90 days, after that, you should be getting at least $7.25 per hour—more if you're in a state or city with a higher minimum wage.

Why This Matters:

• Being underpaid isn't just unfair—it's illegal. And just because you're young doesn't mean your work is worth any less. Advocacy groups are pushing to get rid of the youth minimum wage altogether because, honestly, why should age determine pay?

How to Stand Up for Your Rights

Knowing your rights is the first step, but it's also important to know what to do if something goes wrong. Here's a quick guide:

Know Your Rights:

• Make sure you know the basics of what you're entitled to, whether it's minimum wage, break times, or safe working conditions.

Keep Records:

• Track your hours worked, pay received, and any issues that come up. If you ever need to report something, having records is super helpful.

Speak Up:

• Don't be afraid to ask questions or talk to someone if you feel like something's not right. Whether it's a manager, a parent, or a teacher, there are people who can help.

Get Support:

• If you're dealing with a serious issue, reach out to organizations like the Department of Labor or legal aid services. They can give you advice and help you take action.

Wrapping It Up: Your Rights Matter

International Youth Day is the perfect time to remember that young workers have rights, too. Whether it's getting paid fairly, working safe hours, or being treated with respect, these rights are there to protect you. So, as you step into the working world, make sure you're informed, stay confident, and don't hesitate to stand up for what you deserve.

Remember, knowing your rights is empowering. Let's work together to create a fair and safe environment for all young workers.