We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Casual Labor?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Feb 23, 2024
Views: 23,410
Share

Casual labor refers to part-time or temporary workers who fill an immediate need for an employer and are not part of the regular staff. Such workers are subject to a number of legal protections, such as the right to receive wages. They are less protected than formal part- or full-time employees. Their treatment under the law can depend on regional policies, and it may be helpful to review employment law to understand all of the rights and protections available for casual labor positions.

Examples of casual laborers can include day laborers hired to work on farms, seasonal employees who handle the holiday rush in retail stores, and legal clerks brought on to provide support for a specific case. These laborers may work for a few days, hours, or weeks. Their status is temporary and this is made clear at the start of their employment. In some cases, a casual labor position may lead to an offer of more formal employment; a law clerk who excels, for example, could be offered a position with the firm.

This is a form of at-will employment which can be terminated by either side without providing cause. A day laborer, for example, can decide not to show up for work, and a law firm can dismiss a clerk who is no longer needed. These workers are entitled to wages for any hours that they work, and also receive the benefit of breaks and other limitations on working hours while they are employed. Employers are required to withhold for taxes and provide employees with tax documentation so income can be declared on tax paperwork for the year.

Some regions have more protective casual labor laws that are designed to limit exploitation, usually in response to specific concerns. In others, workers have fewer protections. Government representatives can provide information about rights under the law for people with concerns about their workplaces. Casual laborers should be aware that tax authorities require declaration of all income, including so-called “under the table” wages paid by an employer directly to an employee with no record or withholding.

Numerous venues provide information about available casual labor positions. Companies may advertise in the newspaper, on their websites, or in their windows when they need temporary employees. Some communities have job centers or areas where workers can gather to meet up with employers, and where companies can advertise available jobs. Some of these facilities also maintain a staff of counselors who can help people seek stable employment and may provide information about government benefits and other services they may find helpful.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-casual-labor.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.