New York State unveiled its first ever Youth Workers Bill of Rights, part of a state effort to bolster protections for the state’s youngest workers, just as they get ready to seek out summer jobs, Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced. The Youth Workers Bill of Rights aims to educate first-time workers as they prepare to […]
New York State unveiled its first ever Youth Workers Bill of Rights, part of a state effort to bolster protections for the state’s youngest workers, just as they get ready to seek out summer jobs, Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced. The Youth Workers Bill of Rights aims to educate first-time workers as they prepare to enter the labor market by explaining the rights of all New York workers as well as the protections in place specific to workers under age 18. Young workers will receive a copy of the bill of rights along with their working papers. Additional formats are available including a print pocket guide and downloadable poster for schools and career centers. The bill of rights is also available online at the New York State Department of Labor’s new Youth Worker Information Hub at dol.ny.gov/youthworkers. The hub is an educational resource for young people entering the workforce and contains information about how many working hours are permitted during the school day, a list of prohibited occupations, how youth can be sure they are being paid the correct minimum wage, and more. “Every worker in our state deserves a fair, safe work environment, especially our young people,” Hochul said in a statement. “My administration is taking action to ensure our youngest workers feel empowered, protected, and well-informed, and by fulfilling my State of the State commitment to creating our first-ever Youth Workers Bill of Rights, we are continuing to make strides toward making New York the safest and most worker-friendly state in the nation.” Some of the key information outlined in the bill of rights includes listing the minimum wage, requirements for a safe and discrimination-free workplace, and noting that workers should be able to file a complaint against an employer without any fear of retaliation. “This comprehensive document educates young people about their rights in the workplace and equips them with the knowledge and tools to address violations of their labor rights,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. “By outlining clear guidelines and standards, the Youth Workers Bill of Rights aims to empower young workers and raise awareness about their rights as valuable members of the workforce.” The Youth Workers Bill of Rights follows the Protect Youth Workers Pledge for businesses that launched in 2023. By taking the pledge, businesses affirm they will consider the safety and wellbeing of minors, report suspected child-labor violations to the Child Labor Taskforce, and have educated their employees on labor rights and signs of labor trafficking.
The measures come after a reported 68 percent increase in reports of child-labor violations in 2022. Since 2023, the state Labor Department’s labor standards team has conducted more than 300 targeted inspections at businesses employing youth workers including food service, retail, and seasonal businesses. The inspections uncovered numerous violations related to employment certificates, prohibited hours, and posting of hours, the department says.