New York CNN store —
According to a Labor Department investigation, a McDonald’s franchise operator violated child labor laws.
Santonastasso Enterprises, which operates McDonald’s locations in the Pittsburgh area, allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work overtime on school days after 7 p.m., after 9 p.m. in the summer, and during the 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 an automatic basket raising and lowering mechanism.
A total of 101 minors were working in violation of child labor laws at 13 franchisee-operated locations, the Labor Department said Monday. The franchise operator paid a penalty of about $57,000 to fix the violations, according to the Labor Department.
“We take our role as a local employer very seriously and regret any scheduling issues that may have arisen at our restaurants,” John and Kathleen Santonastasso, owners of Santonastasso Enterprises, said in a McDonald’s statement.
“Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees, and we have since implemented a number of new and improved processes and procedures to ensure employees are properly scheduled,” they said.
About 93% of McDonald’s locations are operated by franchise operators. The franchisees, not the parent company, are responsible for employing their restaurants.
“Allowing young workers to work excessive hours can jeopardize their safety, welfare and education,” Pittsburgh Wage and Hours District Director John Dumont said in a statement to the investigation. “Employers who hire young workers must understand and comply with federal child labor laws or face costly consequences.”