Thomas is a 14-year-old student who applies for a job operating machinery at a local grocery store. Though he would make a good employee, the store manager declines to hire him. What law is this based on?

Child labor laws restrict the types of work and equipment young teens may use. Because Thomas is 14 and the job involves operating machinery, the manager may decline to hire him for that position under child labor rules. Anti-discrimination laws and the EEOC concern unfair treatment in employment, not these age-based work restrictions.

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