A Farmington pizzeria employed minors in violation of federal child labor regulations by assigning them to operate dangerous equipment and allowing them to work later and longer than the law allowed, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The department’s investigation determined a franchisee of the Little Caesars restaurant at 29235 W. 11 Mile Road had three 15-year-old employees who worked past 7 p.m. on school nights, in violation of the law, the release said.
One of those employees used an oven heated between 500 and 900 degrees and operated a dough mixer, according to the release. Federal law forbids 14- and 15-year-old workers from performing any baking activities and they may only be involved in limited cooking tasks.
The restaurant paid more than $26,000 in civil money penalties to resolve its violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act’s child labor provisions, the release said.
“Learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up, but we must protect children and ensure their first jobs are safe jobs and do not interfere with their education or wellbeing,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Timolin Mitchell in Detroit.
“The Fair...
This article is part of The Poynter 50, a series reflecting on 50 moments and people that shaped journalism over the past half-century — and continue to influence its future. As Poynter celebrates...