International Conventions
The
age of entry into employment has been addressed by many countries. Therefore, ILO Convention 138 (1973) on the
minimum age for employment stipulates that the permissible
age of entry into employment "shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling and, in any case, shall not be less than 15 years." Limited exemptions apply for light work for children aged 13-15 years and artistic performances. The Convention defines "employment and work" as any labour performed, whether under contract or otherwise. This prevents the practice of children working in their family household, business or farm.
"The Minimum Age Convention (No. 138, 1973) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) fixed the
age of entry into employment at 15 years, while encouraging the setting of age-specific 'thresholds' for different types of work for children over 15 years, which have to be congruent with the child's physical and mental development."
(Children First,
Child Labour, 2000, visited 2009-05-19)
"The ILO has two core labour standards relating to child labour: ILO Convention on the Minimum
Age of Entry into Employment, No. 138 (1973), says that governments must have a national policy to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, No.182 (1999), sets out the first steps that governments must take to eliminate the worst forms of child labour."
(ICTU Global Solidarity,
Making Globalisation work for people, 2003, visited 2009-05-19)
"National laws and regulations concerning
minimum age for admission to employment or work should apply to home work."
(International Labour Organization,
R184 Home Work Recommendation, 1996 , visited 2009-05-19)
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was ratified in 1990 by almost all countries, with the exception of the United States.
Regulation at the National Level
In Canada, restrictions on the employment of children and young persons can be found in a variety of statutes. Canadian legislators intervene at the federal, provincial or territorial level. The employment of children and young persons subject to compulsory school attendance is severely limited during school hours. This ensures their presence in school during the crucial years when they acquire basic skills. Moreover, several provisions aim to prevent the exposure of young persons to occupations or situations which may be harmful to their growth or development. Legislators in Canada have also recognized the fact that due to various factors, such as lack of experience, young workers are at greater risk in the workplace than other workers, and for this reason have set a
minimum age for working in certain more hazardous occupations or environments.
(adapted from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,
Minimum Age For Employment In Canada, 2006, visited 2009-05-19)
