A franchisee of McDonald's in Kentucky is in violation of federal labor laws due to the employment of two ten-year-old children.
Bauer Food, LLC is an operator of ten McDonald's franchise locations across two states and was the one who employed the children, according to CBS News.
According to the officials, the children weren't paid and sometimes worked as late as 2 am. The children were tasked to prepare and distribute food orders, clean the store, work at the drive-thru window, and operate a register.
Investigators also learned that one of the two children was even allowed to operate a deep fryer, which is prohibited for workers under 16 years old.
What the Franchisee Has to Say
According to the franchise owner, Sean Bauer, the children were visiting their parent, who works as a night manager. He said the kids were not approved to be in that part of the restaurant by the franchisee organization management. He said that any work the children did was in the presence of the parent.
He added that the company ensures the policy about children visiting parents and guardians a work is clear to all employees.
However, this isn't the only violation the Department of Labor (DOL) found. The Wages and Hour Division of DOL found that the franchisee employed 24 minors under the age of 16 to work more than legally permitted hours.
Read also: US Whistleblower Warns of Child Migrant Exploitation in the US
The Rise in Child Labor
The DOL has reported an increase in child labor violations in recent years. They are actively working to enforce child labor laws and protect young workers from exploitation. Employers who violate these laws may face fines, legal action, and damage to their reputation. It is crucial for companies to educate themselves on child labor laws and ensure compliance to protect their employees and their business.
Child labor is a serious issue that affects millions of children worldwide. It denies them access to education, exposes them to hazardous working conditions, and can have long-lasting effects on their physical and mental health. Despite efforts by governments and international organizations, child labor remains prevalent in many industries, such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and construction, among others.
In the United States alone, there are about 2 million children under the age of 18 who work illegally or without proper documentation. These young workers are at risk for exploitation by unscrupulous employers who may take advantage of their lack of knowledge regarding employment laws.
It's important for companies across all sectors to take proactive steps toward preventing child labor violations in their workplaces. This includes implementing hiring policies that require proof of legal age before employing minors; providing adequate training for managers on how to recognize potential incidents where minors may be exploited; establishing clear communication channels between management and employees so everyone knows what's expected from each other when it comes down enforcing these regulations.
Businesses must also ensure compliance with state-specific requirements related specifically to minor workers' hours worked per week or day limits - which vary significantly depending upon location throughout America!
Related article: Child Labor: 31 Kids Found Illegally Working Graveyard Shifts at Wisconsin Meatpacking Facilities
