McDonald’s Faces Child Labor Violations Across 16 Locations in Louisiana and Texas
The violations pertain to more than 80 workers under the age of 18.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jul 28, 2023
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has determined McDonald’s violated child labor laws.
In a release dated July 25, the DOL announced investigators within its Wage and Hour Division found 16 McDonald’s franchise locations in Louisiana and Texas were in violation of established laws regarding workers under 18 years of age. A total of 83 minors were affected.
Investigators identified Louisiana-based CLB Investments LLC had allowed 72 workers—14 and 15 years old—across 12 locations to work later and more hours than permitted by law. The DOL also determined the company allowed three workers under the legal age of 16 to operate manual deep fryers. CLB Investments now faces $56,106 in penalties for these violations.
In Texas, the DOL determined that four McDonald’s locations operated by Marwen & Son LLC similarly allowed 10 employees of 14 and 15 years of age to work longer and later than they’re legally allowed to. Seven minors were also able to illegally perform hazardous tasks, such as operating a deep fryer and oven. Marwen & Son now faces $21,466 in penalties as a result.
“Employers must never jeopardize the safety and well-being of young workers or interfere with their education,” Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Betty Campbell in Dallas said in a statement. “While learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up, an employer’s first obligation is to make sure minor-aged children are protected from potential workplace hazards.”
In May 2023, the DOL found three McDonald’s franchise locations in Kentucky violated child labor laws. This investigation involved more than 300 children and spanned 62 locations across four states. Overall, the Wage and Hour Division has seen a notable increase in child labor violations, with 3,876 children involved nationwide in 2022. This marks a 60 percent increase since 2018.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.