The Lilburn and Grayson concessions allegedly put 15-year-old employees at risk and allowed them to work longer hours than the law allows for underage employees.
GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia — Two Gwinnett County Zaxbys have come under fire for allegedly violating multiple child labor laws.
The Department of Labor issued a press release on Wednesday noting that franchises in Lilburn and Grayson were putting 15-year-old employees at risk and allowing them to work beyond the legally permitted hours for underage employees.
Investigators also found that workers operated fryers without automatic controls to lower and raise fry baskets into the oil or fat, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
According to DOL, the laws state that 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work more than 18 hours a week during school hours. They are also forbidden from cooking or baking when working in food processing plants.
Athens-based Encore Foods Inc., the company that owns the two franchises, was fined over $15,000 for its violations.
“Employers with underage workers must follow strict laws designed to allow children to gain valuable on-the-job experience without jeopardizing their safety or compromising their education,” said Steven Salazar, district director of the Wage and Hour Division. “Endangering any worker is inexcusable, but underage workers can be more vulnerable because of their inexperience. Employers, parents, workers and teachers must all be familiar with federal child labor laws to ensure the well-being of young workers.”
With a nationwide increase in available jobs but not in the labor force, companies are struggling to retain employees. However, as teenagers enter the labor market and fill some of these roles, employers who can meet the needs of this demographic could benefit, Salazar said.
“As more workers choose to leave their hospitality industry jobs, employers who can attract young workers, provide secure employment and pay their rightful wages have the advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining workers. Those who endanger workers or cut their wages are likely to be left without the people they need to work,” Salazar said.
Encore Foods also paid an additional nearly $2,000 in back wages for 10 of its employees.
