An investigation by the DOL found child labor violations involving 101 minors at 13 McDonald’s locations in the greater Pittsburgh area. McDonald’s franchisee Santonastasso Enterprises LLC violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by permitting 14- and 15-year-old employees to work outside of permissible hours, according to the department.
The company broke the law by permitting the minor employees to work more than three hours a day, and after 7 p.m. on school days, as well as later than 9 p.m. over the summer.
The department also said Santonastasso Enterprises had allowed the minors to work for more than eight hours a day on weekends and more than 18 hours a week during regular school weeks.
At the McDonald’s location at 100 Davis Boulevard in Pittsburgh, investigators found a violation of child labor standards where a minor under the age of 16 was allowed to operate a deep fryer that was not fitted with a device to automatically lower and raise baskets.
Santonastasso, which is owned by John and Kathleen Santonastasso, paid a $57,332 fine for the violations, the DOL said.
“We take our role as a local employer very seriously and we regret any scheduling issues that may have occurred at our restaurants,” John and Kathleen Santonastasso said in a statement to Newsweek.
“Our biggest priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees and we have since instituted a series of new and enhanced processes and procedures to ensure employees are scheduled appropriately.”
According to The Washington Post, the franchisee owners said in a 2021 video on Facebook that they ran a “people first” company that offered a “fun” environment with flexibility and the chance to earn money for college.
In a statement to Newsweek, a McDonald’s USA spokesperson said: “While franchisees make local decisions for their businesses, including around labor and employment practices, they must comply with all state and federal laws, and we expect them to uphold our values in everything they do. McDonald’s and our franchisees do not take lightly the positive impact we can deliver—and therefore the profound responsibility we carry—when someone works at a McDonald’s, particularly as their first job.”
“Permitting young workers to work excessive hours can jeopardize their safety, well-being and education,” said John DuMont, the department’s wage and hour district director in Pittsburgh. “Employers who hire young workers must understand and comply with federal child labor laws or face costly consequences.”
Catherine Glencoe, an assistant district director at the DOL, told Pittsburgh City Paper that more employers are relying on teenage employees with the holidays approaching.
“This is the season for hiring more kids,” Glencoe said. “It is important for employers to know there are rules to follow and what their obligations are so we can keep kids safe and the employers in compliance.”
Update 12/6/22, 9:15 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a statement from John and Kathleen Santonastasso.
Update 12/7/22, 3:10 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a statement from McDonald’s USA.
