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If you suspect that a child is being forced to work in violation of California child labor laws, you can take action to help protect the child and ensure that their rights are respected. Here’s how to report child labor law violations in California.
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Introduction
Child labor laws in California protect minors under the age of 18 from working in hazardous occupations and from working excessive hours. These laws are designed to ensure that young workers are not forced to sacrifice their health and safety for the sake of employment.
If you suspect that a minor is being employed in violation of child labor laws, you can file a complaint with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). The DLSE will investigate the complaint and, if they find evidence of a violation, they will take enforcement action against the employer.
What Is Child Labor Law?
In California, child labor laws are enforced by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). These laws protect minors (persons under the age of 18) from working in hazardous conditions and/or for excessive hours. Child labor laws also set minimum wage, break, and leave requirements for employers who hire minors.
There are some exceptions to California’s child labor laws. For example, minors may work in certain types of jobs if they have a work permit or certification from the DLSE. Minors may also work in certain types of entertainment jobs if they have a permit from the California Minor Permit Agency.
If you believe that a minor is being employed illegally, you can file a complaint with the DLSE. You can do this by calling 1-800-852-2800 or by visiting the DLSE website. When you file a complaint, be sure to include as much information as possible, including the name and address of the employer and the minor’s date of birth.
Who Is Covered Under Child Labor Law?
In California, any person under the age of 18 is considered a child and is protected under child labor laws. This includes minors who are working or seeking to work in any capacity, including full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal employment. The only exception to this rule is if the minor has been emancipated by a court order.
There are a few different types of employment that are exempt from California’s child labor laws. These include domestic work in private homes, work for parents or guardians, agricultural work, and certain types of apprenticeships and student-learner programs that have been approved by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE).
If you believe that a child is being violated under California’s child labor laws, you can file a complaint with the DLSE. You can do this by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-800-870-3735, or by filling out an online complaint form on their website.
What Are The Exceptions To Child Labor Law?
There are a few exceptions to child labor law in California. For example, children may work as:
-Newspaper carriers
-Actor or performer in motion pictures, television, theatrical productions, or live performances
-Homeworker assembling products at home, under certain conditions
-Caddy at a public golf course
-Family member employed by parent or guardian in a business not considered hazardous
How To File A Complaint
It is illegal for an employer to hire a minor under the age of 18 for most types of work in California. Child labor laws protect minors by setting standards for the hours they can work, the types of jobs they can perform, and the conditions under which they can work.
There are some exceptions to the general rule that minors may not be employed in California. For example, a minor may be employed as a lifeguard at a public beach or pool if he or she meets certain age and training requirements.
If you suspect that a minor is being employed illegally in California, you may file a complaint with the state’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). The DLSE will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action if there is evidence of a violation of child labor laws.
To file a complaint with the DLSE, you will need to provide your name, address, and telephone number; the name, address, and telephone number of the business or individual you are complaining about; and a description of the child labor law violation you are alleging. You may file your complaint anonymously, but doing so may limit the DLSE’s ability to fully investigate your claim.
You can file a complaint with the DLSE online, by mail, or in person at any DLSE office. Online complaints must be submitted through the DLSE’s website. To file by mail or in person, contact your nearest DLSE office to request a complaint form. Once you have completed the form, return it to theDLSE office where you obtained it or mail it to:
Labor Standards Enforcement
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
P.O. Box 420603
San Francisco, CA 94142-0603
How The Investigation Process Works
When a possible violation of child labor law is reported, an investigator with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) will be assigned to look into the complaint. The investigator will contact the employer and/or the parent or guardian of the child to gather information and determine if there has been a violation of the law.
If theDLSE investigator finds that there has been a violation, they will issue a citation to the employer. The employer will then have the opportunity to contest the citation by requesting a hearing within 20 days of receiving the citation.
If an employer does not contest the citation or if they are found guilty after a hearing, they will be required to pay a fine. The amount of the fine will depend on the seriousness of the violation and whether or not it is considered a first offense.
What Are The Penalties For Violating Child Labor Law?
In California, businesses that violate child labor laws can be subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Employers who knowingly allow their employees to work in violation of child labor laws can be subject to criminal penalties of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.
How To Avoid Violating Child Labor Law
Most roasters have specialized names for their favored roasts and there is very little industry standardization. This can cause some confusion when you’re buying, but in general, roasts fall into one of four color categories — light, medium, medium-dark and dark.
Many consumers assume that the strong, rich flavor of darker roasts indicates a higher level of caffeine, but the truth is that light roasts actually have a slightly higher concentration. The perfect roast is a personal choice that is sometimes influenced by national preference or geographic location. Within the four color categories, you are likely to find common roasts as listed below. It’s a good idea to ask before you buy. There can be a world of difference between roasts.
Light roasts
Light brown in color, this roast is generally preferred for milder coffee varieties. There will be no oil on the surface of these beans because they are not roasted long enough for the oils to break through to the surface.
-Light City
-Half City
-Cinnamon
Medium roasts
This roast is medium brown in color with a stronger flavor and a non-oily surface. It’s often referred to as the American roast because it is generally preferred in the United States.
-City
-American
-Breakfast
Resources
If you witness or suspect a violation of California’s child labor laws, you can report it to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). You can make a report online, by mail, or by phone. Include as much information as possible, including the name and address of the business, the name and age of the child, and the nature of the violation.
The DIR investigates all complaints that are filed. If they find that a violation has occurred, they will take enforcement action against the employer. This may include issuing a citation, ordering the employer to pay back wages to the child, or both. The DIR may also refer the case to local law enforcement if they believe that criminal charges should be filed.
Conclusion
It is important to report any violations of child labor law that you witness in California. By doing so, you can help ensure that children are not being exploited and are able to work in safe and healthy conditions.
To report a violation, you can contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. You can also call the 24-hour toll-free complaint hotline at 1-800-852-2800.
