The U.S. Department of Labor is reminding employers to familiarize themselves with requirements to provide a rewarding and safe work environment as the summer season ramps up.
The reminder comes after DOL investigations found various violations in Idaho and Oregon, according to a May 17 press release. Several violations reportedly endangered minor age workers. The DOL has specific rules related to child labor to protect minors in the workplace.
“Summer and seasonal work offer young people a unique opportunity to get valuable work experience while earning money, but it should never come at the expense of their education or safety,” Acting Wage and Hour Administrator, Jessica Looman, said in the release. “Employers who hire youth-aged workers are obligated to comply with federal child labor laws to ensure the experience is safe and beneficial for workers.”
Recent DOL investigations found three employers in violation of these laws including Super 1 Foods, Fred Meyer and Ridley’s Family Market, Inc., according to the release.
“Employers are encouraged to use the many tools offered by the U.S. Department of Labor to understand their obligations and contact the Wage and Hour Division with questions or for clarification to avoid violations and costly penalties,” Wage and Hour Division District Director, Carrie Aguilar, said in the release.
Super 1 Foods allowed minor employees to operate trash compactors and box balers that were power driven, allowed 14- and 15-year-old employees to work over the number of hours federal law permits, did not pay for meal breaks that lasted less than 20 minutes, and did not include performance bonuses in employees’ required rates of pay when they calculated overtime, according to the DOL.
The investigation of Super 1 Foods recovered $114,382 in overtime back wages and liquidated damages of 266 employees, the release stated. The department also assessed $154,831 in penalties against the company.
Fred Meyer was assessed $55,400 in penalties for similar infractions, according to the DOL.
All three employers have agreed to coordinate “enhanced measures to ensure future compliance with child labor regulations at all their locations,” the release stated.
