McDonald’s locations in Central Texas violated child labor laws, Dept. of Labor says
McDonald’s locations in Central Texas violated child labor laws, Dept. of Labor says KXAN.com
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Child Labor Violations Found at McDonald’s Franchise Locations in Austin and Louisiana
The Department of Labor has announced that investigators from the Wage and Hour Division found child labor violations at four McDonald’s franchise locations in the Austin area. The violations were committed by Marwen & Son in Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Leander. These findings highlight the importance of addressing child labor issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Child Labor Violations in Austin
- Marwen & Son in Cedar Park
- Marwen & Son in Georgetown
- Marwen & Son in Leander
The investigation revealed that these locations employed 10 minors aged 14 to 15, allowing them to work longer and later hours than permitted by law. Furthermore, seven children were found operating a manual deep fryer and oven, and two of them were even allowed to use a trash compactor. These tasks are considered hazardous for young workers and are prohibited by the Department of Labor. As a result, Marwen & Son has been penalized $21,466 for these violations.
Child Labor Violations in Louisiana
- CLB Investments in Kenner
- CLB Investments in Jefferson
- CLB Investments in Metairie
- CLB Investments in New Orleans
In Louisiana, investigators discovered that CLB Investments, a franchise owner, employed 72 workers aged 14 and 15. These young workers were also found to be working longer and later hours than allowed by law. Additionally, three children were allowed to operate manual deep fryers, which is a task prohibited for employees under the age of 16. CLB Investments has been penalized $56,106 for these violations.
The Department of Labor emphasizes the importance of protecting young workers and ensuring their safety in the workplace. Betty Campbell, the Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator, stated, “Employers must never jeopardize the safety and well-being of young workers or interfere with their education.” These violations serve as a reminder of the need to prioritize the SDGs, particularly Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which aims to promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
McDonald’s Response
Tiffanie Boyd, Chief People Officer at McDonald’s USA, expressed the company’s commitment to maintaining a people-first culture and providing a safe work environment for all employees. She stated, “We take this issue seriously and are committed to ensuring our franchisees have the resources they need to maintain compliance with all U.S. labor laws.” McDonald’s recognizes the importance of aligning with the SDGs, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes the need to protect children’s rights and ensure their access to education.
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?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issue of child labor violations at McDonald’s franchise locations is directly connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The issue of employing minors during school hours also relates 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 child labor violations at McDonald’s franchise locations, which directly relates to Target 8.7 under SDG 8.
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 employment of minors during school hours raises concerns about their access to quality education and relevant skills for future employment, connecting to Target 4.4 under SDG 4.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group
The article mentions that investigators found the company employed 10 minors, 14- to 15-years-old, to work longer and later than permitted. This information can be used to measure progress towards Indicator 8.7.1, which tracks the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor.
Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill
Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the issue of minors being employed during school hours raises concerns about their access to education and relevant skills, including ICT skills. This connects to Indicator 4.4.1, which measures the proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills.
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: kxan.com
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