While you can now work without first acquiring a special work permit, the child labor protections no longer apply. However, there are significant worker safety and wage and hour laws designed to protect your rights.
Your employer must pay you at least minimum wage ($8/hour in MA).
Your employer must provide a safe and healthy workplace.
For each hour over 40 that you work per week, your employer must pay you overtime.
There are important provisions regarding what information must be on your pay stub and how you accrue time off.
You have the right to:
- Join or organize a union;
- Express any health and safety concerns you have to your employer, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
- Work without being subject to racial or sexual harassment
- If you believe you are the victim of harassment in the workplace, you may file a Civil Rights Complaint with the AG's Office, or with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination;
- Retain your tips;
- Benefits under the state's workers' compensation system if you become sick or injured as a result of your job.
Taxes
As an employed adult, you are responsible for filing taxes.
Taxes will come out of your paycheck for: state income taxes, federal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security (FICA).
You must also file your taxes by April 15 th of every year.
Visit the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's site for information about filing taxes.