Chipotle agrees to $300K settlement over child labor allegations in DC

Chipotle Mexican Grill Agrees to Six-Figure Settlement for Child Labor Violations

Chipotle Mexican Grill has agreed to a six-figure settlement after an investigation in the nation’s capital “identified over 800 potential violations of Washington, D.C.’s child labor laws over the past three years,” D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced on Monday.

Child Labor Violations

1. Schwalb’s office alleges that since April 2020, the popular restaurant chain violated several child labor laws, with employees under the age of 18 working more than eight hours in a day, more than 48 hours in a week and more than six consecutive days in a work week.
2. The settlement also accuses Chipotle of violating the city’s laws by allowing children to work after 10 p.m. local time.

Investigation and Settlement

• Chipotle operates 20 stores in the district. The investigation by Schwalb’s office was launched in May 2022.
• Chipotle will pay D.C. $322,400 and has agreed to a new training and workplace compliance plan, according to prosecutors.

However, according to the settlement, the company “denies the District’s allegations regarding violations of any child labor laws. Nothing contained in this Settlement Agreement is or may be construed to be an admission by the Company of any violation of law or regulation, any other matter of fact or law, or any liability or wrongdoing.”

Previous Violations

• Chipotle has previously been accused of similar infractions. In 2020, the company paid the state of Massachusetts $1.4 million for 13,253 alleged violations of child labor laws.
• In September, the company also settled with the state of New Jersey for $7.75 million for what New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin described at the time as “alleged widespread and persistent violations of the state’s child labor laws.”

Company Response

Spokespeople for the company did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Laurie Schalow told ABC News in a statement “We are committed to ensuring that our restaurants are in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations and we believe that in hiring workers beginning at age 16, we can provide younger employees with valuable experiences and an opportunity for advancement. We have reached a settlement with the Washington, D.C. Office of the Attorney General for the events dating back to 2020, and have implemented an enhanced labor scheduling program in our restaurants, creating a more efficient, consistent and compliant environment.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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.
   • Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group (relevant for child labor violations).

The article highlights the violation of child labor laws by Chipotle Mexican Grill, specifically regarding employees under the age of 18 working more than eight hours in a day, more than 48 hours in a week, and more than six consecutive days in a work week. These violations are directly connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Target 8.7 specifically addresses the eradication of forced labor, including child labor.

The specific target under SDG 8 that can be identified based on the article’s content is 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 mentions the violation of child labor laws by Chipotle, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 8.7. The indicator mentioned is Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. This indicator measures the extent of child labor violations and helps track progress in eradicating forced labor and child labor.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: abcnews.go.com

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