The United States Department of Labor has found hundreds of minors working illegally at McDonald’s restaurants across four states. Out of the 62 locations owned by franchisees Archways Richwood, Bell Restaurant Group, and Bauer Food, 300 minors, including two 10-year-olds, have been found to be employed illegally in contravention of federal labor laws. Reports show that underage workers were assigned duties prohibited by law and worked longer than legally permitted hours, with two pre-teenagers working late into the night and not receiving any payment. The Kentucky franchisee Bauer Food LLC was fined $147,000 for violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Under US law, children under 14 are not allowed to work, while those under 16 are restricted by the number of hours they can work per week and the appropriate time during the day. The Labor Department has been investigating child labor abuses in the southeastern region and claimed that Bauer Foods employed 24 minors below 16, with one found violating the deep fryer’s use prohibition. The Kentucky franchisee also failed to pay the two 10-year-olds in its Louisville outlet, who had been working until 2 am, according to the investigation.
Although franchise ownership is regulated under the McDonald’s umbrella, restaurant owners have the freedom to set their management styles in compliance with the corporation’s policies and standards. A total of $212,544 in civil penalties was issued against the franchisees due to child labor law violations.
The investigation’s findings indicate the need for increased proactive efforts from both corporations and the government to protect the youngest and most vulnerable workers in America. Effective controls and compliance measures should be implemented by companies to ensure that all workers, regardless of age, are treated equally with full respect of their rights.
In conclusion, the Labor Department’s stern action against Bauer Food, Archways Richwood, and Bell Restaurant Group indicates the need for stringent compliance measures, especially to protect vulnerable young workers. Corporations should make moral and ethical business decisions to avoid labor law violations and possibly devastating reputational damage. Additionally, the government should increase efforts to raise awareness of labor issues affecting minors and establish proper channels for the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of offenders.
