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TRENTON – Through September 6, certain New Jersey teenagers are allowed to work up to 50 hours a week.
Governor Phil Murphy signed law Thursday to help address a summer worker shortage as COVID-19 metrics improve and companies prepare to rebound from last summer’s pandemic-induced downturn.
Minors aged 16-18 are typically limited to 40 hours per week, but the new law increases the weekly limit for this age group to 50 hours by Labor Day. Permission from a parent or legal guardian is required.
“Companies in coastal and tourist communities are having a hard time finding employees for the busy summer season,” said Senator Steven Oroho, R-Sussex. “This is a temporary solution to a temporary problem, but the extra 10 hours a week could help both the employee and the company.”
The signing of the bill was praised by groups of companies in the gardening state. Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, said extending working hours for teens gives employers much-needed flexibility when they need it most.
“This way they can close the gaps in the non-returners and still have enough time for the summer tourism season,” said Siekerka. “At the same time, it also creates more opportunities for youth workers to earn more money between school years.”
Contact the reporter Dino Flammia at [email protected].
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