It’s not only Santa’s elves who are hard at work this Holiday season. The annual gift exchange on Christmas day increases the demand for store-bought goods and those who sell and distribute them. Several industries offer a special opportunity for employment during this especially busy season, including retail, shipping and handling, and sales. Large companies like Target and Walmart hire thousands of extra workers to help with the seasonal demand. This is great news for those seeking an additional source for cash or an opportunity to pay off any debt. As a seasonal holiday employee, it is important that you are informed of your unique rights.

Know The Labor Laws

First and most importantly, all labor laws are still applicable to you. These include laws that cover, harassment, workplace safety, discrimination, minimum wage and overtime pay. In these regards, you are to be treated like any other employee. For a full list of federal labor laws, visit the Employment and Labor Law Guide.

If you are injured while on the job as a seasonal employee, you are also entitled to the company’s worker compensation insurance. You are to be treated no differently when injured, as a seasonal employee.

Many young people on winter break from school often partake in the opportunity to earn holiday spending money with their extra time off. As a working youth, it is important to understand your rights and applicable laws. If you are 14 and 15 years old, you are prohibited from working during school hours. However, at 16 and 17, you may be employed for any number of hours within any industry besides those that are considered hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. Once you are 18, you are no longer subject to youth employment restrictions.

Whether you are seeking some sort of extra income, have plenty of time on your hands while on your winter break from school, or you are relocated elf from the North Pole, we want to ensure that you are informed of these important rights. If you feel that you are being mistreated or not receiving these entitlements, please do not hesitate to give us a call.