Earlier today, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released citations against KinderCare Learning Centers, culminating in over $540,000 in restitution and civil penalties tied to violations of wage, sick time, and meal break laws, according to Office of the Attorney General. The organization, based in Oregon, oversees 62 daycare establishments in Massachusetts and has been held responsible for depriving workers of their rights due to lack of staff, according to Office of the Attorney General.

In accordance with Massachusetts law, employers are obligated to permit employees who work over six hours to take a 30-minute break without interruption1. Upon investigation, it was revealed to the Attorney General's Office that KinderCare employees frequently encountered denial of these breaks due to staffing problems, according to Office of the Attorney General. Additionally, KinderCare contravened wage laws by deducting breaks lasting 20 minutes or less from employees' wages, which are legally considered payable time.

Massachusetts Earned Sick Time law was also violated by KinderCare, wherein center directors restricted employees' ability to use paid sick leave.

They also put extra obstacles in place, like needing a doctor's note, as stated in Office of the Attorney General. This law gives employees the right to earn one sick leave hour for every 30 hours worked, with sick leave safeguarded after 90 days of employment.

Employers can only ask for a doctor's note or other...

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