The Arkansas Department of Labor has released an updated Notice to Employer and Employee. The posting includes an updated child labor section that reflects a recent amendment to the Arkansas Code (AR HB 1116) allowing 17-year-olds to work a greater number of hours per day and per week and overnight hours any day of the week. The law also allows 16-year-olds to work overnight hours, before 6 a.m. and after 11 p.m., on nights preceding non-school days.
One motivating factor for the change is that employers limit their hiring to adults to avoid the excessive time and costs necessary to comply with work hour restrictions applicable to minors. The amendment gives employers more hiring flexibility, provides more scheduling options and creates working opportunities previously foreclosed to young men and women. The amendment comes in time as 16 and 17-year-olds begin their search for summer placements and permanent positions.
All Arkansas employers subject to the Minimum Wage Act are required to post the current Notice to Employer and Employee.