The Pennsylvania Child Labor Act requires all minors subject to the Act to have a work permit in order to be employed. 16-17-Year-Olds Work Restrictions.When school is not in session, 16 and 17-year-olds may only work between 6 a.m. The law states those aged from 14-17 years old are entitled to at least a 30 minute break when working for 5 consecutive hours. The Pennsylvania Child Labor Act requires all minors ages 14 - 17 to have a work permit in order to be employed. Minors aged 16 and 17 are permitted to work a maximum of eight hours a day and only 28 hours per school week (Monday through Friday). The Child Labor Act of Pennsylvania stipulates that minors are eligible for employment only when they reach the age of 14 or above. No minor may work more than six consecutive days, except in newspaper delivery. Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act has distinct provisions for three age categories: under 14, 1415, and 1617. 16 - Basic minimum age for employment.