Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) horizontal list

Public Act 90 of 1978, the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), as amended, defines a minor as someone who is less than 18 years of age, including but not limited to employees, volunteers, independent contractors and performing artists.

Minors under 18 years of age must obtain a work permit or a written agreement or contract entered into between the employer and the governing school district, public school academy, or nonpublic school before starting work. Work permits can be obtained from the state of Michigan school issuing officer (the chief administrator of a school district, intermediate school district, etc.) the minor attends or the school district where the minor will be employed. If the minor changes jobs, a new work permit is required for the new employer. A work permit may be revoked for poor academic performance. A work permit is required even if the minor is home/cyber/virtual/online schooled, does not attend school, or out-of-state resident.

Work permits are no longer available for bulk purchase from Michigan Center for Career & Technical Education; work permits are available for printing or download below. Note: the printing on colored paper has been repealed, work permits must be printed, front and back, to be valid.

When both federal and state laws apply the more stringent standard must be observed.

Contact:
Email: WHinfo@michigan.gov
Phone: 517-284-7800
Fax: 517-763-0110

Act, Rules, Executive Orders/Directives

Standards for Issuance of Work Permits

Youth Employment Standards Rules

Legislative link to the Youth Employment Standards Act 90

Filing a Claim

If the minor has not been paid for time worked or is owed money from the employer, you may file a claim at: www.michigan.gov/wageclaim.

If the minor, under 18 years old, was injured on the job, contact the Workers Compensation Agency at 888-396-5041, or file the Employer's Basic Report of Injury .

If the minor, under 18 years old, is not receiving a meal or rest period after working 5 continuous hours, is working in a hazardous occupation, working too many hours in a day or week, is working beyond the starting and ending times allowed under the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) or working without a valid work permit, a claim can be filed at MIYESACLAIM .

Please indicate the alleged violations when filing a complaint. A youth employment investigation will review records and circumstances to determine compliance for all minors in an establishment with every regulation required by 1978 Public Act 90, as amended, the Youth Employment Standards Act.

It is not necessary to file multiple complaints for additional dates or new allegations. If you have already filed a complaint and have additional information to provide, or are seeking status on the investigation, please contact the Wage and Hour Division at 517-284-7800 or toll free at 855-464-9243 (855-4MI-WAGE).

Posting Requirement

Youth Employment Posters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) FAQs

Restricted Occupation Information

Resources