Collegeville Restaurant Didn’t Pay Wages, Broke Child Labor Laws: Feds
Collegeville Restaurant Didnt Pay Wages, Broke Child Labor Laws: Feds Patch
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Collegeville Restaurant Ordered to Pay Back Wages and Damages
Introduction
A Collegeville restaurant, Vincent’s Pizzeria and Grill, has been found to owe hundreds of thousands of dollars to its employees. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) ruled that the restaurant failed to pay its employees, allowed underage children to work with dangerous equipment, and terminated employees who raised concerns about unfair treatment.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Back Wages and Damages
Vincent’s Pizzeria and Grill, located on 500 Gravel Pike, has been ordered by the DOL to pay $268,660 in back wages and damages. This decision emphasizes the importance of Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
According to Samantha Thomas, the DOL’s Acting Regional Solicitor of Labor in Philadelphia, holding employers accountable for failing to comply with federal laws protects workers’ rights to their full wages. It also ensures that young employees work during permitted hours in safe jobs, aligning with Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Violations and Retaliation
- The restaurant owners, George El Roueiheb and Vicken Mouchlin, “willfully” violated the law by not paying kitchen workers time and a half for working over 40 hours a week.
- They paid a cashier and delivery drivers separately in cash for their overtime work but did not provide the required overtime rate.
- El Roueiheb and Mouchlin failed to keep records of cash payments.
- Three employees who spoke up about being cheated out of their wages were fired by the owners. As a result, the damages include $9,000 specifically to address this retaliation.
These violations highlight the need for Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Child Labor and Reporting Violations
The restaurant also allowed two teenagers, aged 17 and 15, to operate meat slicers and a vertical dough mixer. This raises concerns about child labor and the importance of protecting children’s rights.
To report a violation of labor law, individuals can call the Wage and Hour Division at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for Target 8.5: Percentage of workers receiving overtime pay and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Indicator for Target 4.7: Number of cases where education for sustainable development and gender equality are integrated into the curriculum.
- Indicator for Target 5.5: Proportion of women in leadership positions in the workplace.
- Indicator for Target 16.6: Number of cases of retaliation against employees reporting labor law violations.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Percentage of workers receiving overtime pay and equal pay for work of equal value. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. | Number of cases where education for sustainable development and gender equality are integrated into the curriculum. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | Proportion of women in leadership positions in the workplace. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | Number of cases of retaliation against employees reporting labor law violations. |
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: patch.com
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