G90-1002 Child Labor Laws For Agriculture

This NebGuide details special considerations for employing persons 16 years of age and younger. The employment of minors became regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Amendments to this Act and additional Nebraska laws have further regulated child labor use. Agriculture is given special provisions regarding child labor. Specific regulations pertaining to age, working hours and hazardous jobs have been written to assure that minors are not employed nor endangered while working in agricultural jobs. The child labor provisions mentioned in this NebGuide apply to the agricultural employment of all non-family minors, migrant as well as local resident children. The provisions do not apply to minors employed by their parents or legal guardians in any job on a farm owned or operated by their parent or legal guardian. Legal guardian is a specific legal term not including casual or family relationships which are temporary. Employers should consult an attorney if they are unclear about whether they are legal guardians