10-21-21 wi senate approves longer work hours for teens

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Teenagers could work longer hours over the busy summer tourism months in Wisconsin under a bill the state Senate has approved. The measure is backed by Republicans and the state’s hotel, restaurant and grocery industries, but opposed by Democrats and the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. Current law does not allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work later than 7 p.m. from after Labor Day until May 31 and no later than 9 p.m. over the summer. The bill would allow employees under age 16 to work until 9:30 p.m. before a school day and up until 11 p.m. when they don’t have school the next day.  The Senate passed the bill on a voice vote Wednesday. It goes next to the Assembly.