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ESA-WHD New Release: [10/08/1998]
Contact Name: John M. Chavez
Phone Number: (617) 565-2075
Release Number: BOS 98-196
MASSACHUSETTS GARMENT MANUFACTURER PAYS $23,600 FINE FOR CHILD LABOR VIOLATIONS; MINOR INJURED
BOSTON, MA — Cape Cod Textile, Inc. of Sandwich, Mass., has agreed to pay $23,600 in civil penalties for employing minors in violation of the child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
"We are committed to ensuring a safe, healthful and fair workplace for all workers, especially our youngest," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman. "Especially now when children are in school we must ensure that work experiences for our youth are positive, safe and do not detract from their principal occupation as student. Certainly, minors' safety should not be at risk in the workplace."
An investigation by the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division found that Cape Cod Textile, which manufactures baby bibs and silk screen tee shirts, illegally employed three minors, 14, 15 and 16 years old. All three operated a power-driven fastener machine, equipment that only those over 18 may legally operate. The 15-year-old lacerated her finger seriously enough to require stitches while operating the machine.
The FLSA sets a minimum age of 18 for anyone to work in non-agricultural occupations which the secretary of labor has found to be particularly hazardous or detrimental to the health and well-being of young workers. In addition, minors must be at least 16 years old to work in manufacturing or mining.
The investigation was conducted by Wage and Hour Division's office in Taunton, Mass. The division's priority is increasing compliance with labor laws in targeted low-wage industries, such as garment manufacturing, agriculture, janitorial services, guard services and health care.
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