Baskin Robbins locations in Utah fined for breaking child labor laws
Baskin Robbins locations in Utah fined for breaking child labor laws KSL NewsRadio
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U.S. Department of Labor Fines Baskin Robbins Locations for Violating Child Labor Laws
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to accurately spell Ivan Palaez’s name.
The U.S. Department of Labor has imposed fines on eight Baskin Robbins locations across the Wasatch Front for overworking their teenage employees.
Violation of Labor Regulations for Teenage Employees
Ivan Palaez, an official from the Department of Labor’s Salt Lake City office, stated that Baskin Robbins has failed to comply with labor regulations concerning 14- and 15-year-old employees.
The total fine amounts to nearly $50,000.
“It’s not that they can’t work,” Palaez explained. “It’s just that while school is in session and due to their age, we want them to go ahead and work. However, we also want to ensure that they work within the required parameters.”
According to the investigation, 64 employees were found to have worked longer hours than permitted by the regulations. Specifically, young teenagers are only allowed to work a maximum of three hours after school. Additionally, they must finish working by 7 p.m. These labor regulations are applicable only during the school year. During the summer, 14- and 15-year-olds can work up to 40 hours a week, until 9 p.m.
Recurring Issue in Utah
This is not an isolated incident in Utah. Last month, Cold Stone Creamery locations in Utah were fined for the same violation. Prior to that, Crumbl Cookies and The Rush Funplex also faced fines for similar violations.
Palaez noted that they come across more child labor law violations in Utah compared to other places because there are a greater number of minors working here.
The Baskin Robbins locations under investigation are in American Fork, Bountiful, Clearfield, Layton, Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Jordan, and West Valley.
Adherence to Stringent Standards
Kevin Hunt, the Wage and Hour District Director in Salt Lake City, stated, “Where a disparity exists between federal and state laws, employers must adhere to the most stringent standards.”
He further encouraged employers and employees to directly contact their office for accurate information regarding federal labor laws to avoid unfortunate situations like this one.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
| 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 | – Number of child labor law violations – Number of fines issued for child labor violations |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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 | – Number of hours worked by teenage employees during school hours – Number of hours worked by teenage employees after school hours |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issue of overworking teenage employees and violating labor regulations is directly connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions that the labor regulations for teenage employees apply only during the school year, indicating a connection to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
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
The article highlights the violation of child labor laws by Baskin Robbins locations, indicating a need to address the worst forms of child labor and ensure the elimination of such practices.
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
The article indirectly points to the importance of education and relevant skills for teenage employees by highlighting the labor regulations that apply during the school year. This target emphasizes the need to equip youth with skills for decent employment opportunities.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Number of child labor law violations: The fines imposed on Baskin Robbins locations and other establishments indicate violations of child labor laws, which can be measured by tracking the number of such violations.
– Number of fines issued for child labor violations: The fines imposed by the Department of Labor serve as an indicator of enforcement actions taken against employers who violate child labor laws.
– Number of hours worked by teenage employees during school hours: The article specifies that teenage employees can only work a maximum of three hours after school during the school year, suggesting that tracking the number of hours worked during school hours can be an indicator of compliance with labor regulations.
– Number of hours worked by teenage employees after school hours: Similarly, tracking the number of hours worked by teenage employees after school hours can provide an indicator of compliance with labor regulations.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| 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 | – Number of child labor law violations – Number of fines issued for child labor violations |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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 | – Number of hours worked by teenage employees during school hours – Number of hours worked by teenage employees after school hours |
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: kslnewsradio.com
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