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 Printer-Friendly Version
ESA-WHD New Release: [06/11/1998]
Contact Name: Brad Mitchell
Phone Number:
Juan Solano (312) 353-6976
Release Number: V-1998-162
Rochester IGA Fined $13,275 for Alleged Child Labor Violations
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has assessed a $13,275 fine against Lunt, Inc. of Rochester, Ill., for allegedly having violated child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The company does business as Rochester IGA.
An investigation by the Springfield office of the department’s Wage and Hour Division found three minors, ages 15 and 16, performing jobs that are deemed too hazardous for employees younger than 18. A 15-year old was also working longer and later than than allowed for teens younger than 16.
The department alleged that the teens under 16, were cleaning and setting up a power driven meat saw; cleaning, setting up, operating or oiling a power driven meat grinder; and loading a paper bailer --all violations of hazardous orders designed to protect employees younger than 18. The company has appealed the department’s allegations.
While federal child labor laws allow minors under 16 to work outside of school, they put a limit on time of day and number of hours they may work, especially during the school year. They may work no later than 7:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day). They may work no more than three hours on school days and eight hours on non-school days, and no more than 18 hours during school weeks and 40 hours during non-school weeks.
Federal law also restricts the type of work persons under 16 can do and prohibits youths under 18 from certain jobs that the Secretary of Labor has declared to be hazardous.
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