US McDonald’s franchise violated child labor laws: investigation

A McDonald’s franchise operator in the US violated child labor laws, according to a US Department of Labor investigation.

It was investigated that Santonastasso Enterprises, which operates McDonald’s locations in the Pittsburgh area, allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work more than three hours after 7 p.m. on school days, after 9 p.m. hours during the school week and on non-school days.

At one site, a worker under the age of 16 was allowed to operate a fryer that lacked a device used to automatically raise and lower baskets.

Overall, 101 minors at 13 franchisee-managed locations were working in violation of child labor laws, the Department of Labor said Monday.

The franchise operator paid a fine of approximately $57,000 to resolve the violations.

“We take our role as a local employer 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 series of new and improved processes and procedures to ensure employees are properly scheduled,” they said.

About 93% of McDonald’s locations are managed by franchise operators. Franchisees, not the parent company, are responsible for employment in their restaurants.

“Allowing young workers to work excessive hours can compromise their safety, well-being and education,” said John Dumont, district director of wages and hours in Pittsburgh, in a statement about the investigation.

“Employers who hire young workers must understand and comply with federal child labor laws or face costly consequences.”