In a shocking revelation, a McDonald’s franchise operator has been found guilty of violating child labor laws, following an investigation conducted by the Department of Labor. Santonastasso Enterprises, which manages several McDonald’s locations in the Pittsburgh area, allowed employees aged 14 and 15 to work beyond the legal limits. These underage workers were scheduled to work more than three hours after 7 pm on school days and after 9 pm during the summer. Additionally, they were made to exceed the permissible number of hours during the school week and on non-school days, all in clear violation of labor regulations.
One particularly concerning instance involved a worker under the age of 16 being assigned to operate a deep fryer lacking the necessary safety device designed to automatically lift and lower baskets.
The Labor Department’ s investigation revealed that a total of 101 minors across 13 locations managed by the franchisee were subjected to these illegal working conditions. As a result of their violations, the franchise operator has been penalized approximately $57,000 to resolve the matter, as confirmed by the Labor Department.
In response to the allegations, John and Kathleen Santonastasso, the owners of Santonastasso Enterprises, provided a statement through McDonald’s expressing their regret over any scheduling issues that may have occurred at their restaurants. They emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of their employees and highlighted the implementation of new and enhanced processes and procedures to ensure appropriate scheduling in the future.
It’s important to note that approximately 93% of McDonald’ s locations are operated by franchisees, who bear the responsibility for employment practices at their respective restaurants, rather than the parent company.
John Dumont, the wage and hour district director in Pittsburgh, emphasized the potential risks to the safety, well-being, and education of young workers when they are subjected to excessive hours. He stressed the importance for employers hiring young workers to understand and comply with federal child labor laws, as failure to do so can result in costly consequences.
The investigation’s findings shed light on the exploitation of underage workers within a McDonald’s franchisee, raising concerns about the protection of young employees in the fast-food industry. Such incidents serve as a reminder that the enforcement of labor laws and safeguarding the rights of all workers, regardless of age, must be a top priority to ensure fair and safe working conditions.
Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
