Four Northern Virginia Jersey Mike’s cited for breaking child labor laws
Four Northern Virginia Jersey Mike's cited for breaking child labor laws InsideNoVa
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U.S. Department of Labor Finds Violations at Northern Virginia Jersey Mike’s Franchise Locations
Introduction
The U.S. Department of Labor has conducted investigations at four Jersey Mike’s franchise locations in Northern Virginia. The investigations revealed that the operator, JM Burke LLC, allowed more than a dozen employees under the age of 16 to perform dangerous tasks and work longer hours than permitted. This report highlights the violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Violations
- The operator, JM Burke LLC, violated the Fair Labor Standards Act at locations in Ashburn, South Riding, Springfield, and Sterling.
- 14 minor-aged children were allowed to operate power-driven meat slicers, which is considered a hazardous occupation under federal law.
- Minors were employed to work more than the permitted hours, including on non-school days and during school weeks.
- JM Burke paid $108,161 in civil money penalties to resolve its child labor infractions.
- Overtime violations were identified at the Ashburn location, where bonuses were not included in three employees’ regular rates of pay when calculating overtime wages owed.
- JM Burke failed to maintain accurate records of workers’ regular pay rates.
- JM Burke paid $856 in overtime back wages to affected workers.
Importance of SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and protection of young workers. Employers who hire minors are legally and ethically obligated to comply with child labor standards that protect young people from harm. By adhering to the SDGs, employers not only keep young workers safe but also prioritize their education.
Enhanced Compliance
JM Burke LLC has agreed to future enhanced compliance measures, which include:
- Staff training to ensure awareness of child labor standards.
- Increased corporate site visits to monitor compliance.
- The creation of a website for reporting violations, promoting transparency and accountability.
- Investments in technology to monitor internal store cameras, ensuring children are not engaged in hazardous occupations.
Contact Information
For more information about young workers’ rights and other employee rights enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, please contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
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 | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group |
| 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 | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 4: Quality Education.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific target under SDG 8 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 specific target under SDG 4 is 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.
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 one indicator that can be used to measure progress towards Target 8.7 under SDG 8: Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. The article does not mention any specific indicators related to Target 4.4 under SDG 4.
4. 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 | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group |
| 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 | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill |
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: insidenova.com
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