The owners of McDonald’s locations in Louisiana and Texas have been fined a total of $77,500 for violating federal guidelines and allowing minors to work longer hours than permitted. CLB Investments, which owns 12 McDonald’s locations in the New Orleans area, has been fined $56,106 for allowing 14- and 15-year-old employees to work beyond the legal limits. The company also allowed three teenagers to operate deep fryers, which is a hazardous task prohibited for workers under 16. CLB Investments, owned by Chris Bardell of La Place, Louisiana, has taken steps to address the violations, including implementing mandatory child labor law trainings for restaurant managers and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with labor regulations.
Betty Campbell, a Labor Department regional administrator in Dallas, explains that laws restricting the hours and times of day minors can work are in place to ensure their safety and to allow them enough time to focus on their education. She states that while learning new skills in the workforce is important, an employer’s first obligation is to protect minor-aged children from potential workplace hazards.
In Texas, Marwen & Son, which owns four McDonald’s locations, has also been found to have violated federal regulations by allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work longer hours. Additionally, ten minors on staff were allowed to operate a deep fryer, oven, and use a trash compactor, all of which are prohibited for underage workers. Marwen & Son, owned by Martin Washington of Cedar Park, has been fined $21,466 for these violations.
The recent violations in Louisiana and Texas are part of a larger trend of child labor violations. The Labor Department reported a significant increase in violations across all U.S. employers in the past year. At the same time, some states are proposing legislation to loosen child labor protections, arguing that increased work hours can help young people explore potential careers. The Biden administration has also called attention to the issue of child labor in the meat industry.
McDonald’s franchisees operate independently from corporate-owned restaurants, but the company is aware of the violations and is committed to ensuring compliance with labor laws. The violations serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting underage workers and providing them with a safe and nurturing work environment.
Overall, it is crucial for employers to prioritize the safety and well-being of minor-aged workers and to adhere to labor regulations to prevent potential hazards and violations.
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