4 Northern Va. Jersey Mike’s cited for breaking child labor laws – WTOP News

U.S. Department of Labor Finds Child Labor Violations at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Locations

By Neal Augenstein | InsideNoVa.com

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Labor has conducted investigations at four Jersey Mike’s franchise locations in Northern Virginia and found that the operator, JM Burke LLC, allowed underage employees to perform dangerous tasks and work longer hours than permitted. These violations of child labor laws are in direct violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Violations

The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor determined that JM Burke LLC violated child labor laws at its locations in Ashburn, South Riding, Springfield, and Sterling. The operator allowed 14 minors to operate power-driven meat slicers, which is considered a hazardous occupation under federal law. Additionally, the division found that minors were working more hours than allowed on non-school days and during school weeks, as well as working after prohibited hours on school days.

Penalties and Back Wages

JM Burke LLC has paid a total of $108,161 in civil money penalties to resolve the child labor infractions. In addition, overtime violations were identified at the Ashburn location, where the employer failed to include bonuses in the calculation of overtime wages owed to three employees. The employer also failed to maintain accurate records of workers’ regular pay rates. As a result, JM Burke paid $856 in overtime back wages to the affected workers.

Compliance Measures

JM Burke LLC has agreed to implement enhanced compliance measures to prevent future violations. These measures include staff training, increased corporate site visits, the creation of a website for reporting violations, and investments in technology to monitor internal store cameras to ensure that children are not working in hazardous occupations.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 4: Quality Education – Employers must schedule young workers for times that allow for their education to remain the priority.
2. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Young workers’ rights and other employee rights must be enforced to ensure fair and safe working conditions.

Contact Information

For more information about young workers’ rights and other employee rights enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, please contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).

Editor’s Note: A spokesperson for the Department of Labor has confirmed that the matter was resolved administratively, and Jersey Mike’s has paid the civil penalties and back wages to the affected workers. WTOP has reached out to Jersey Mike’s for comment.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 4: Quality Education.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor
• Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group
• Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill

The article mentions that the operator of Jersey Mike’s violated child labor laws by allowing minors to perform dangerous tasks and work longer than permitted hours. This indicates a violation of Target 8.7, which aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The indicator 8.7.1 can be used to measure progress by tracking the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor.

The article also mentions that employers must schedule young workers for times that allow for their education to remain the priority. This highlights the importance of education and connects to Target 4.4, which aims to increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment. The indicator 4.4.1 can be used to measure progress by assessing the proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: wtop.com

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