McDonald's franchisees fined after illegally working minors were found, including two 10-year-olds

Per CNBC

Three franchisees that were responsible for the operations of 62 McDonald's were found to have violated federal labor laws. It was noted that 305 minors were found to be working illegally, including two 10-year-olds.

The US Labor Department specified that the locations that violated federal labor laws were across Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio. The franchisees' civil money penalty fines are estimated to total over $200,000.

Tiffannie Boyd, McDonald's USA Vice President and Chief People Officer, gave a statement regarding the situation and described it as "deeply troubling." It was then noted that this was not in light of the expectations they have for their brand.

Boyd: “These reports are unacceptable, deeply troubling and run afoul of the high expectations we have for the entire McDonald’s brand... It is not lost on us the significant responsibility we carry to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone under the Arches.”

It was noted that the majority of the violating restaurants were found in Kentucky. To be specific, the state had 45 of the 62 restaurants that were found to have violated federal labor laws.

Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division Louisville District Director Karen Garnett-Civils, also commented on the situation. The statement highlighted the involvement of a 10-year-old child.

Garnett-Civils: “Too often, employers fail to follow the child labor laws that protect young workers. Under no circumstances should there ever be a 10-year-old child working in a fast-food kitchen around hot grills, ovens and deep fryers,”

In February, the president of the giant fast-food change noted that the $22/hr rate was "costly and job-destroying." He made statements regarding the new law that mandates this rate while he made $7.4 million in 2022.

The company also noted that it planned to add small changes to its burgers.

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