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(Trends Wide) — A McDonald’s franchise operator violated child labor laws, according to a Labor Department investigation.
Santonastasso Enterprises, which operates Pittsburgh-area McDonald’s locations, allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work more than three hours after 7 p.m. on school days, after 9 p.m. during the summer, and above the number of hours allowed during the school week and on non-school days, according to the Department of Labor.
At one location, a worker under the age of 16 was allowed to operate a fryer that did not have a device that automatically raised and lowered the baskets.
Overall, 101 minors at 13 locations run by the franchisee were working in conditions that violated child labor laws, the Labor Department said Monday. The franchise operator paid a fine of about $57,000 to resolve the violations, according to the department.
“We take our role as local employers very seriously and regret any scheduling issues that may have occurred at our restaurants,” John and Kathleen Santonastasso, owners of Santonastasso Enterprises, said in a statement provided by McDonald’s.
“Our highest priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees and we have since instituted a number of new and improved processes and procedures to ensure employees are properly organized,” they said.
About 93% of McDonald’s branches are run by franchise operators. Franchisees, not the parent company, are responsible for employment at their restaurants.
“Allowing young workers to work excessive hours can jeopardize their safety, well-being and education,” John Dumont, director of the Pittsburgh wage and hour district, said in a statement about the investigation. “Employers who hire young workers must understand and comply with federal child labor laws or face costly consequences.”
