An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has resulted in a $45,570 penalty for C Casa Napa LLC, operating as C Casa Restaurant and Bar Napa. The restaurant was found to have violated child labor laws by allowing minors as young as 14 years old to work outside permitted hours during school days and to operate hazardous equipment. Additionally, the investigation revealed that the restaurant failed to provide adequate space and time for a nursing employee to express breast milk, retaliating against her by reducing her work schedule and earnings.
The department recovered $3,300 in lost opportunity wages for the affected nursing employee. "The U.S. Department of Labor has a responsibility to enforce the rights of America’s workers," said Donald Hines, Wage and Hour Division Assistant District Director in Walnut Creek, California. He emphasized that employers who disregard worker rights will be held accountable.
In fiscal year 2024, over 4,000 children were found working in violation of federal law across the country, leading to more than $15 million in penalties—a significant increase from the previous year. The department continues its efforts through initiatives like YouthRules! which aims to ensure safe work experiences for young people.
Additionally, under the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), most nursing employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private place at work for expressing breast milk.
For assistance or inquiries about owed wages, individuals can contact the Wage and Hour Division via their toll-free number or utilize available online tools such as the Workers Owed Wages search tool.
