The U.S. Department of Labor has fined Dirty Al’s 2 Inc., operating as Dirty Al’s at Pelican Station in Port Isabel, Texas, for violating federal labor laws by employing minors. The investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division revealed that the restaurant employed eight minors, including 14 and 15-year-olds, to work as hostesses and bussers.
According to the findings, these minors were required to work extended hours on school days, non-school days, and holidays, exceeding the limits set by federal law. As a result of these violations, Dirty Al’s 2 Inc. has been penalized $6,328 in civil money penalties.
“Child labor laws vary by age and task. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that when young people work, the work does not jeopardize their health, safety or educational opportunities,” explained Wage and Hour District Director Cindy Cantu-Flores in McAllen, Texas. “The department offers many resources online to explain obligations for employers and worker rights.”
