Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled New York’s first-ever Youth Workers Bill of Rights, as part of an effort to bolster protections for the state's youngest workers.
Key protections outlined include the right to the minimum wage, a safe and discrimination-free workplace and to file a complaint without fear of retaliation, according to a news release.
“Every worker in our state deserves a fair, safe work environment, especially our young people,” Hochul said. “My administration is taking action to ensure that 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.”
The Youth Workers Bill of Rights seeks to educate first time workers as they prepare to enter the labor market by explaining the rights all NY workers enjoy as well as the protections that are specific to workers under 18.
The Bill of Rights will be distributed to every young worker upon receiving their working papers. It will be available in various formats, including a print pocket guide available in schools and state Department of Labor Career Centers.
The Youth Workers Bill of Rights is available online on the Youth Worker Information Hub. The hub includes important information regarding protections for young people including permitted working hours during the school day, how to be sure they are being paid the correct minimum wage, and a full list of prohibited occupations for children under the age of 18.
