USA: 10-year-olds work in a McDonald’s franchise

The U.S. Department of Labor has discovered more than 300 cases of illegal child labor at McDonald’s fast food restaurants in several states. In a case in Louisville, Kentucky two children less than ten years old been, the ministry said. It fined three operators totaling about $212,000.

McDonald’s Louisville branch operator Sean Bauer told CBS News on Tuesday that the two 10-year-olds had visited their parents while working the night shift. Her Presence in the restaurant area was not approved by the establishment management. And all the work they would have done, they would have done at the direction of their parents.

According to the Department of Labor, that was the two not paid and sometimes worked until 2am. One of the two children even operated a deep fryer, which is prohibited for employees under the age of 16.

In a total of 305 cases, Department of Labor inspectors found violations of applicable law. According to the statement, the underage employees – with the exception of the two 10-year-olds – were between the ages of 14 and 15. Among other things, they are subject to a reduction in working hours of a maximum of three hours per day on school days and eight hours during school holidays, up to a maximum of 7 pm in winter and 9 pm from June to September.

In addition to Bauer Food, franchises Archways Richwood and Bell Restaurant Group were also under scrutiny, the ministry’s announcement further reveals. Together they operate 62 McDonald’s locations in Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland and Ohio. Further statements from the companies involved were initially not known.

(sda/awp/dpa)