AG fines Mass. Popeye’s, BK franchise operators more than $2 million over child labor, workers rights violations – Boston.com
AG fines Mass. Popeye’s, BK franchise operators more than $2 million over child labor, workers rights violations Boston.com
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The Attorney General’s Office Cites Burger King Franchise Operator for Violating Employment and Child Labor Laws
Introduction
The Attorney General’s Office has issued citations against Northeast Foods LLC, the operator of Burger King franchise locations in Massachusetts, for violating state employment and child labor laws. The citations include restitution for unpaid wages and penalties, amounting to a total of $2,029,754.
Violations of Employment Laws
Between January 2022 and March 2023, the Burger King franchise operator allegedly violated Massachusetts’ wage and hour laws. The violations include not paying workers minimum wage, delayed or non-payment of wages, and failure to provide sick time as legally required. The operator also failed to maintain accurate employee payroll records and did not provide requested documentation to the Attorney General’s Office.
Violations of Child Labor Laws
The franchise operator scheduled minors to work during prohibited hours, exceeding the state’s limit of nine daily working hours for workers aged 16 and 17.
Impact on Employees
The alleged violations affected nearly 2,000 employees at Burger King establishments across Massachusetts. The investigation was initiated after a worker filed a complaint regarding unpaid wages.
Past Violations
This is not the first time Burger King franchises have faced allegations of labor law violations. Northeast Foods LLC was previously cited for multiple violations of child labor laws in 2017 and 2022, as well as for not maintaining an earned sick leave policy in 2019.
Settlement with Popeyes Franchise Operators
The Attorney General’s Office reached a settlement with Amish Parikh and Ashish Parikh, the operators of 19 Popeyes franchise locations in Massachusetts. The settlement resolves allegations of child labor law violations and non-compliance with the earned sick time law. The operators were issued citations totaling $212,516.
Conclusion
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell emphasized the importance of enforcing workplace laws to protect and empower workers. The citations against Burger King and Popeyes franchise operators highlight the commitment to upholding labor rights and ensuring a fair and safe working environment.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 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.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 8.7: Number of labor law violations related to forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Number of cases of employment discrimination based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Indicator for SDG 16.3: Number of citations issued for violations of labor laws and child labor laws.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 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. | Indicator: Number of labor law violations related to forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator: Number of cases of employment discrimination based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Indicator: Number of citations issued for violations of labor laws and child labor laws. |
Source: boston.com
