A Memphis, Tenn., deli allowed teenage workers to clean and operate a deli meat slicer on a daily basis in violation of federal child labor laws.
A Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division investigation found Schlotzsky’s Deli and Byung OG NA, which operates as Schlotzky’s Deli of Memphis, allowed six 16- and 17-year-old workers to operate a deli meat slicer on a daily basis, according to a June 23 news release.
“Child labor laws are intended to ensure young workers obtain valuable work experience safely without interfering with their safety and education,” Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Juan Coria said in the release. “As summer is upon us, and restaurant employers hire an increasing number of young workers, they should review child labor laws and contact the Wage and Hour Division with any questions.”
The employer also allowed two 15-year-olds to work past 7 p.m. when school was in session, the release reported. Additionally, the employer failed to maintain proof of age records for workers under 19 years.
A total of $17,818 in civil penalties was imposed to resolve the child labor violations, the release said.
During the investigation, the Wage and Hour Division also recovered $422 in back wages for an employee who did not get proper overtime pay, according to the release.
