Teenagers of 14 Can Work Legally

From now on, teenagers from 14 are legally to have a job in Saskatchewan due to a new law introduced by the provincial government.

Young people aged 14 and 15 who wish to work must acquire permission from their parent or guardian, and complete a certificate that focuses on employment standards and occupational health and safety. In addition, 14 and 15-year-olds must not work any later than 10 p.m. if they have school the next day, before school starts on a school day, and more than 16 hours during a school week.

Larry Hubich, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), said the government's changes go in the opposite direction than where society should be going. "All of their initiatives on the labour file have been in response to demands from the business community who wants cheaper workers that are less assertive in their rights and who are more compliant with the demands of the boss. That's what this is about -- it's not about providing young workers with an opportunity to get some work experience, and for the government to suggest that is dishonest."

Previously, only five specific sectors had a minimum age of employment of 16: hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes. As a result, the absolute minimum age of employment in these five service categories will be 14 years of age as well.

Legislation will continue to restrict employment of young people in casinos, the sale, handling or serving of alcohol, during school hours, and in certain high-risk occupations.

Source from Leader-Post

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