Little Caesars' operator in Farmington Hills violated child labor laws, fined $26k
(FOX 2) - The employer of a Little Caesars' franchise was fined tens of thousands of dollars over child labor law violations, the U.S. Department of Labor announced this week.
An investigation found children under the legal age operating dangerous equipment and working past allowed hours at the pizza shop, based in Farmington Hills.
It also found several children illegally working, leading to a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Dig deeper:
JMP Pizza Inc., the operator of the Little Caesars' pizza location, paid a $26,341 civil fine to the labor department's Wage and Hour Division after children were found to be working heavy equipment and past hours when they are allowed to be working.
One child under 16 used an oven heated between 500 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a pizza dough mixer. It's illegal for 14 and 15-year-olds to perform baking activities.
Three other children also worked later and longer hours than labor law allows.
According to a U.S. Department of Labor news release, children under 16 can't work later than 7 p.m. after Labor Day and before May 31.
The rules are slightly looser during the summer, when children can work as late as 9 p.m. Work can't exceed eight hours on non-school days.
What they're saying:
It's important for young people to learn important skills as they grow up, a division director with the labor department said.
But "we must protect children and ensure their first jobs are safe jobs and do not interfere with their education or well-being," he added.
"The Fair Labor Standards Act allows for safe work experiences but restricts the employment of young workers in certain jobs and during certain hours, and provides for penalties when employers do not follow the law," said Timolin Mitchell.
The YouthRules! initiative promotes appropriate work guidelines for young people, informing both employers and parents about what is allowed.
What you can do:
The Wage and Hours Division also has a toll-free helpline for anyone in need of assistance.
Employees and employers can call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).