|
 Printer-Friendly Version
ESA-WHD New Release: [07/31/1996]
Contact Name: Brad Mitchell or Juan Solano
Phone Number: (312) 353-6976
Release Number: V-303
DETROIT AREA BOSTON MARKETS PAYS $17,000 CIVIL MONEY PENALTY FOR ALLEGED CHILD LABOR VIOLATIONS
Chicago — B.C. Great Lakes L.L.C., doing business as Boston Market at 32 locations in the Detroit, Mich., area has paid a civil money penalty of $17,000 for child labor violations alleged by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Labor Department alleged that 68 children, ages 14 and 15, were employed contrary to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal wage-hour law. Three of the minors were 14 years of age. The minors worked more hours and later than times permitted by the regulations. The investigation covered the period from November 1993 to November 1995.
The Labor Department's investigation began at the firm's location at 19055 Middlebelt, Livonia, Mich. After violations were found at this location, the firm was requested to review records for 31 other establishments in the Detroit area. The investigation revealed that some minors allegedly worked past 11:00 p.m. Some of the minors worked more than five hours on a school day.
Wage Hour District Director Dan Ocharzak, Grand Rapids, stated, "Boston Market cooperated fully in this review. Employers can provide valuable work experience to vulnerable young children that does not interfere with a good, solid education."
The Wage and Hour Division of the Labor Department's Employment Standards Administration enforces federal child labor laws. The regulations detail hours that persons under 16 years of age may work. In addition, the regulations specify prohibited occupations for minors under 18 years of age due to hazards inherent in the work. Employers who violate the child labor provisions may be assessed up to $10,000 for each violation.
Under federal law, 14 and 15-year-olds may work outside school hours, but no later than 7:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. from June 1 until Labor Day). In addition, they may not work more than three hours on school days, eight hours on non-school days, or 40 hours during non-school weeks.
The investigation was conducted by the Wage and Hour District Office, 2920 Fuller, N.E., Suite 100, Grand Rapids, Mich., under the supervision of Daniel Ocharzak, district director.
| 
