I Think My Child's Job Violated Child Labor Laws: What Can I Do? By Dan Atkerson on April 15, 2024

It’s normal for teens to feel excited about their first job and want to work hard to make a good impression. Sadly, this can lead some employers to take advantage of their underage workers.

Under state and federal child labor laws, employers need to follow strict rules when it comes to employing teenagers. If you believe your child’s job violated child labor laws, you are encouraged to contact our Allen office to speak with employment law attorney Dan A. Atkerson.

Child employment law violators in Allen, TX, Plano, TX, and Frisco, TX, can endanger underage workers and should be stopped. Learn more as we explain what to do when child labor laws are violated.

Child Labor Law Violations Are Rising

Child labor laws exist to protect children and prevent work from interfering with their education or pose a threat to their health and well-being. Even so, child labor law violations are on the rise. KERA News reports that children employed in violation of federal labor laws has increased 88% across the nation since 2019. KERA News further states that North Texas has some of the highest numbers of violations in the nation with the Dallas area seeing a 67% increase in child labor violations between 2022 and 2023 alone.

Types of Violations

Many of the increases in violations are centered around hours worked, work environment, and equipment operated by minors. Violations may include:

Working later than legally allowed
Working longer than legally allowed
Performing jobs too hazardous for minors, like roofing or manufacturing
Operating a motor vehicle, meat-processing machine, vertical dough mixer, or other prohibited equipment

What to Do if You Believe Child Labor Laws Have Been Violated

While some child labor law violations are willful, many happen because a minor or an employer isn’t aware that they are doing something illegal, like operating equipment they aren’t supposed to. Accordingly, one of the first steps when child labor laws have been violated is to make sure the minor employee is no longer engaging in dangerous job duties.

Another course of action you can take if you believe your child’s employer has violated child labor laws, is to report the incident to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Wage and Hour Department by filing a complaint online.

The TWC’s Wage and Hour Department will investigate the complaint. If they find child labor laws were violated, they may issue a financial penalty up to $10,000 per violation along with criminal penalties if warranted.

Speak with an Attorney

Consulting with an employment law attorney can be helpful when faced with child labor law violations. An employment law attorney can guide you through the process of filing a complaint or seeking remedy for violations through additional legal means.

Contact the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson

If you believe your child’s job violated child labor laws, it’s important to protect your child’s health and safety and hold liable employers accountable. To learn more about your legal options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with employment law attorney Dan A. Atkerson.