According to the U.S. Department of Labor, two Zaxby’s restaurants, in Lilburn and Grayson, were found to be endangering minors and giving them too many hours.
The department’s investigation found that Encore Foods, Inc. allowed 15-year-old employees to work more hours than is allowed during the school year. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work more than 18 hours per week when school is in session.
The investigation also found that 15-year-olds were operating deep fryers without automatic controls to lower and raise fry baskets, a violation of child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was unable to reach Encore Foods officials for comment.
“Employers with minor-aged workers must follow strict laws intended to allow kids to gain valuable experience at work without risking their safety or interfering with their education,” Steven Salazar, Wage and Hour Division District Director in Atlanta, said.
In addition, Encore Foods did not include non-discretionary bonuses in pay rates, leading Zaxby’s to pay a lower rate to employees than is required by law, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Encore Foods has paid $15,533 for its violations and $1,907 in back wages for 10 employees.
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