TWIN FALLS, ID – The U.S. Department of Labor has reached an agreement with Swensen’s Magic Markets LLC, a grocery store in south-central Idaho, to address violations of federal child labor laws. The employer will pay $250,833 in civil money penalties and $5,078 in back wages and damages after an investigation revealed the employment of minors in hazardous duties.
The Wage and Hour Division found that six minor-aged workers were involved in tasks such as cleaning meat slicers, grinders, operating rotisseries, and loading trash compactors. These activities violate federal regulations designed to protect young workers from dangerous work environments. Additionally, the company employed a 13-year-old child, which is below the legal age for non-agricultural employment.
Katherine Walum, District Director for the Wage and Hour Division in Portland, Oregon stated: “Early work experience should not come at the expense of a child’s well-being and educational opportunities.” She emphasized that federal law aims to safeguard young workers from hazards associated with commercial-grade equipment and restricts late working hours on school nights.
Further violations included failing to combine work hours across different locations resulting in overtime infractions for three employees who did not receive proper compensation for hours exceeding 40 per week. This led to the recovery of $2,539 in back wages plus an equal amount in damages.
Walum reiterated the importance of compliance with child labor laws: “Employers must abide by child labor laws and regulations.” She encouraged employers and other stakeholders to utilize resources like YouthRules.gov to ensure young worker safety.
Swensen’s Magic Markets LLC employs around 80 workers across its locations in Hagerman, Paul, and Twin Falls. The Department of Labor's YouthRules site provides free guidance on youth employment protections for various stakeholders. The department also promotes developmental work experiences through its initiatives aimed at preparing young individuals for workforce entry.
For more information about compliance assistance or inquiries regarding wage standards, employers and workers can contact the Wage and Hour Division via their toll-free helpline or download their Timesheet App available on iPhone and Android devices.
