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 Printer-Friendly Version
ESA-WHD New Release: [06/24/1998]
Contact Name: Brad Mitchell
Phone Number:
Juan Solano (312) 353-6976
Release Number: V-1998-176
White Hen Pantry, Lake Zurich, Ill., Fined $8,300 for Alleged Child Labor Violations
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has assessed Tomorrow Inc., doing business as White Hen Pantry of 600 E. Main St., Lake Zurich, Ill., a fine of $8,300 for allegedly violating child labor laws.
An investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division in Chicago found that seven minors, ages 15 through 17, were employed in violation of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Alleged violations included five minors, ages 15 through 17, operating or cleaning a meat slicer; one 15-year old working in a meat cooler; and three 15-year olds working more hours or later than permitted for teenagers younger than 16.
"Experience is valuable for young workers, however, vulnerable children should not work in unsafe jobs or during late hours," said Wage and Hour District Director Henry Rodriguez.
White Hen has appealed the civil money penalty. The matter will be referred for a hearing before a Labor Department administrative law judge.
The Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division enforces federal child labor laws, which protect young workers by limiting the type of work persons under 16 can do and the hours they may work. They also prohibit certain jobs that the Secretary of Labor has declared to be hazardous from being performed by teenagers younger than 18.
The Fair Labor Standards Act allows 14 and 15-year-olds to work outside school hours, but not later than 7:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. from June 1 until Labor Day). They may work no more than three hours on school days, and no more than 18 hours in a school week. These minors may work up to eight hours on non-school days, or 40 hours during non-school weeks.
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This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (312) 353-6976; TDD Message Referral Phone: 1-800-800-4571.
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