HIXSON, Tenn. — A cookie franchise in Hixson is one of several around the country cited by the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) for violating child labor laws.
The DoJ found 3 minors were tied to the Utah-based Crumbl Cookies' franchise on Highway 153.
As a result, DoJ fined the Hixson franchise $1,542.
It was one of 11 franchises around the country to face similar fines. The franchise with the most violations -- one in San Ramon, California -- had 9 minors involved, and was fined more than $15,000, the DoJ said.
The investigation revealed Crumbl Cookies allowed underage workers -- most of them 14 or 15 years old -- to work more than state law permits or in hazardous or prohibited occupations.
The violations "ranged from employing some minor-aged employees to work longer and later than the time the law allows to assigning others to operate potentially dangerous ovens and machinery," the DoJ release said.
In all, Crumbl Cookies was hit with $57,854 in penalties.
“Employers must ensure that part-time employment does not jeopardize the safety or education of young workers,” explained Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Betty Campbell in Dallas. “It is the responsibility of every employer who hires minor workers to understand child labor laws, and comply with them or potentially face costly consequences.”
We're working to learn more about the specifics of the Hixson Crumbl Cookies' violations. We've also reached out to the company for comment.
UPDATE: The company...
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