NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka issued the following statement Tuesday after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new law backed by NJBIA (A-4222/S-2796) that allows expanded working hours for minors and greatly improves the process for teens to obtain working papers.
“We are pleased Governor Murphy signed this bill into law today as it will help employers find more workers, allow teens more work hours and more pay, and help New Jersey residents and visitors avoid longer summer waits and lines at their favorite destinations.
“Workforce capacity remains a big issue in New Jersey, as well as around the country. By permanently expanding the workweek for 16- and 17-year-olds from 40 to 50 hours and allowing the same age group to work up to 10 hours a day, instead of eight, employers will have more flexibility in their scheduling at this most important time of the season.
“Further, this bill will make it much easier for teens and their families to go through the working paper process with each job, so they can gain valuable work experience.
“We thank Senator Gopal (D-11) and Assemblyman Freiman (D-16) for sponsoring this legislation and the support of the Legislature for getting it to Governor Murphy’s desk, as well as all of the small businesses who rallied in support for the bill.”
