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 Printer-Friendly Version
ESA-WHD New Release: [05/07/1996]
Contact Name: Brad Mitchell or Deirdré Zongker
Phone Number: (312) 353-6976
Release Number: V-162
McHENRY COUNTRY CLUB, McHENRY, ILL., ASSESSED $10,125 CIVIL MONEY PENALTY FOR ALLEGED CHILD LABOR VIOLATIONS
CHICAGO — Mchenry Country Club, 820 N. John Street, Mchenry, Ill., has been assessed a civil money penalty of $10,125 by the U.S. Department of Labor for alleged child labor violations.
The Labor Department alleged that 15 children, ages 14 and 15, were employed contrary to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal wage-hour law. Two 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 March 1995 to March 1996.
The investigation revealed that some minors allegedly worked until 3 a.m. or as many as 15 hours on a non-school day. The minors also worked up to 32 hours in a school week.
Wage Hour District Director Jules Van Rengen stated, "The Labor Department takes strong steps to protect vulnerable populations." He added, "Young children should get valuable work experience that does not interfere with a good, solid education."
Under the regulations, a company has 15 days to file an exception to a civil money penalty. In an exception letter, an employer provides specific reasons why the alleged violations did not occur. The Labor Department then refers the matter for a hearing before an administrative law judge.
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, 230 S. Dearborn, Chicago, Ill., under the supervision of Jules Van Rengen, district director.
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