Dunkin’ Donuts Cited for Child Labor Law Violations

Two Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners in Massachusetts have been fined. They were cited for violating the state’s child labor regulations for a total of $7,700. Allegedly, the franchises employed minor workers before the earliest hour allowed and after the latest hour allowable. Additionally, the owners allegedly did not post the schedules of all minors in the workplace and employed them without required work permits. See: http://www.legalzoom.com/news/business/business-law/dunkin-donuts-franchisees-cited-800510538

The Department of Labor is the sole federal agency that monitors child labor and enforces child labor laws. The federal law which governs the abuse of child workers is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). FLSA restricts the hours that youth under 16 years of age can work and lists hazardous occupations too dangerous for young workers to perform. Enforcement of the FLSA’s child labor provisions is handled by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division. Covered nonexempt workers are entitled to a minimum wage of not less than $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Overtime pay at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay is required after 40 hours of work in a workweek. There is no limit on the number of hours employees 16 years or older may work in any workweek. See: http://www.dol.gov/whd/flsa/index.htm

If you or someone you know has been affected by a violation of child labor laws or underage employment, the lawyers at Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC, have extensive experience in handling all matters of labor disputes regarding wage and hour law, child labor law, and workers compensation lawsuits. Victims of such offenses may be entitled to compensation. For more information or a consultation, contact Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC at 1-888-5-JOBLAW.