(MENAFN) The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that a McDonald's location in Morristown, Tennessee, operated by Faris Enterprises of TN LLC, has been fined USD3,258 for allowing a 15-year-old worker to use a deep fryer and subsequently suffering hot oil burns in June 2022. Investigators from the Wage and Hour Division found that the work was illegal and deemed hazardous for young workers. According to department provisions, 14- and 15-year-olds can be employed in food preparation in a limited capacity, but they are not allowed to use a deep fryer without an automatic basket or bake.
In addition to the child labor violation, the same operator was fined USD882 for deducting two workers' pay during overtime workweeks to account for uniforms and cash register shortages, both violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. According to the press release, Faris Enterprises had committed similar violations in the past.
In response to the fines, Faris Enterprises stated that they take their role as local employers seriously and regret any errors that may have led to these citations, adding that the safety and well-being of their employees have always been a top priority for their organization.
The Department of Labor has issued a total of USD4,386,205 in penalties for 2022, the most in nine years, according to agency data. Lisa Kelly, the Wage and Hour Division District Director, expressed concern over the increase in federal child labor violations since 2018, stating that investigators are finding too many employers who are unaware of the law or choose to ignore it.
In a tight labor market, employers sometimes turn to minors to fill positions as they tend to be more docile and cheaper. According to Reid Maki, director of child labor advocacy for the National Consumers League and coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition, which works to end abusive child labor, employers need to be more vigilant in following child labor laws and providing a safe working environment for their underage employees.
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