RESTAURANT OWNERS FINED $27K
Local McDonald’s operator found in violation of federal child labor laws
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found that the operator of five Western Pennsylvania McDonald’s franchises violated federal child labor laws.
Cranberry-based Endor Inc. employed 34 minors, all between 14 and 15 years old, and had them work outside “permissible hours” by working longer and later than the law permits, the department said Monday in a news release.
“Fast food restaurants offer young workers an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, but federal law makes sure their experiences do not come at the expense of their education or well-being,” said John DuMont, Wage and Hour Division district director. “The Fair Labor Standards Act allows for developmental experiences but restricts the work hours of 14- and 15-year-olds and provides for penalties when employers do not follow the law.”
Endor, owned by Paul and Meghan Sweeney, paid $26,894 in fines to the Department of Labor.
Company officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The investigation found violations at individual McDonald’s franchises in Brookville, Jefferson County, where four workers were affected; Punxsutawney, Jefferson County, where nine workers were affected; and St. Marys, Elk County, where 10 workers were affected. Violations also were found at two restaurants in Clarion, Clarion County, where 11 workers were affected.
Labor Department officials said Endor violated federal child labor regulations for employing 14- and 15-year-old children by having them work:
• Before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1.
• During school hours.
• Later than 9 p.m. on days between June 1 and Labor Day.
• More than three hours on a school day and more than 18 hours during a regular school week.
• More than eight hours on a non-school day.