Burger King franchise group accused of hundreds of child labor violations at Wisconsin restaurants – WISN

Report on Child Labor Violations at Wisconsin Burger King Franchise

Overview of Violations

Governor Tony Evers announced that a Wisconsin Burger King franchise owner, Cave Enterprises, committed 1,656 violations of child labor and wage payment laws over a two-year period across the state. These infractions represent the largest number of such violations in modern Wisconsin history.

Details of Violations

• Employment of 14 and 15-year-olds without child labor permits.
• Minors working shifts of six hours or longer without the legally required breaks.
• Children under 16 working outside permitted hours for school-age workers.
• Minors working more hours than legally allowed.

Impact on Youth and Families

More than 600 children were affected by these violations between 2023 and 2025. The infractions undermine protections designed to safeguard young workers’ health, education, and well-being, which are critical components of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – ensuring safe and fair working conditions for all workers, including youth.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education – protecting children’s right to education by regulating work hours.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – promoting safe workplaces to protect young workers’ health.

Government Response and Enforcement

• The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has ordered Cave Enterprises to pay over $237,000 in unpaid wages to affected employees.
• Penalties totaling up to $828,000 have been imposed, calculated at $500 per violation for the 1,656 infractions.
• Governor Evers emphasized his administration’s commitment to combating fraud and abuse impacting Wisconsin workers, especially children, to ensure labor laws effectively protect families and communities.

Statements from Officials

DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek stated, “For kids who choose to work, child labor laws provide essential protection to ensure that they can continue to do well in school and enjoy the best parts about growing up in Wisconsin while staying safe in the workplace.”

Conclusion

This case highlights the critical importance of enforcing child labor laws in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals to protect young workers’ rights, promote safe working environments, and support their education and well-being. Continued vigilance and enforcement are essential to uphold these standards across all industries in Wisconsin.

For further information, the full press release is available here.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses violations related to child labor laws and wage payments, which directly relate to promoting decent work conditions and protecting labor rights.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The protection of working children to ensure they can continue doing well in school is linked to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The enforcement of labor laws and penalties for violations reflect the promotion of justice and strong institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. 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.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including young workers.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
3. 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.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of child labor law violations
   • The article mentions 1,656 child labor and wage payment law violations, which can be used as an indicator to measure enforcement effectiveness.
2. Number of children affected by labor violations
   • More than 600 children were affected from 2023 to 2025, indicating the scale of child labor issues.
3. Amount of unpaid wages recovered and penalties imposed
   • The payment of $237,000 in unpaid wages and penalties up to $828,000 reflect enforcement actions and can serve as indicators of institutional response.
4. Compliance with child labor permits and working hour regulations
   • Instances of minors working without permits or beyond permitted hours highlight compliance indicators.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wisn.com