Dept. of Labor to Offer Employers a Course on Hiring Minors in the Workforce Bookmark and Share

April 1, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2019

Media Contact: Jessica Picard, 207-621-5099 or jessica.l.picard@maine.gov

Class Registration: 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345)

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting a free workshop throughout the spring to help employers understand the process of hiring minors in the workforce and to help parents and young workers understand Maine's child labor laws. These workshops cover the basics of Maine's child labor laws, such as how to apply for a work permit, the hourly restrictions for young workers, and hazards in the work place. This workshop is designed for human resource professionals, business owners, managers, parents, and young workers.

As an added benefit, the U.S. Department of Labor will also be present to explain the federal child labor laws. This is a rare opportunity for attendees to hear from both regulatory agencies and learn firsthand of the differences between State and Federal laws. This is an interactive workshop where attendees will be able to ask questions and receive answers from both regulatory agencies.

"A first job is an important experience for young workers. These workshops will help businesses and young workers develop safe work practices through a better understanding of Maine's child labor laws," Commissioner Laura Fortman said. "When businesses and workers have a clearer understanding of these laws, everyone benefits."

The workshops run from 9 am to 11 am on the following dates and locations (with the exception of the workshop on April 24th):

  • April 15, Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd, Portland
  • April 23, Bangor Career Center, 45 Oak St, Suite 3, Bangor
  • April 24, Presque Isle Career Center, 66 Spruce Street, Suite 1, Presque Isle (this workshop is 1pm -3pm)
  • May 22, SafetyWorks Training Institute, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta
  • June 11, Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland

Visit the class registration page at www.safetyworksmaine.gov or call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) to register.

The Bureau of Labor Standards is Maine's regulatory agency overseeing labor and employment law and workplace safety; it provides both consultation and enforcement services. The division promotes and achieves compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of Maines workforce.

The Maine Department of Labor is committed to serving Maine workers and businesses by helping employers recruit and train a talented workforce, providing workers with skills needed to compete in our economy, assisting individuals when jobs are lost, aiding people with disabilities reach career goals, ensuring safe and fair workplaces for people on the job and providing research and analysis of employment data to support job growth.

Maine Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.