Oakland County restaurant violated child labor laws, feds say
Oakland County restaurant violated child labor laws, feds say WDIV ClickOnDetroit
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TROY, Mich.
An Oakland County fast food restaurant is being fined by the U.S. Department of Labor for violating child labor laws.
Investigation and Violations
The Popeyes on Rochester Road in Troy, owned by Michigan Multi-King Inc., was under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. The investigation found that the restaurant had violated the child labor standards set by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Number of Violations
During the investigation, it was discovered that a total of 63 teens, aged 14 and 15, had worked more than 18 hours when school was in session. They also worked past 7 p.m. before June 1 and past 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day.
Penalties
As a result of the violations, the employer, Michigan Multi-King Inc., was assessed $48,251 in civil money penalties by the Wage and Hour Division.
Statement from Popeyes
Popeyes released a statement regarding the violations, stating that they take such issues very seriously. The franchisee who owns and operates the restaurant fully cooperated with the investigation and promptly took action to address all identified issues. This included terminating an individual who was responsible for complying with labor and brand standards. The franchisee is committed to ensuring strict compliance with labor laws in the future.
Child Labor Laws
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibits 14- and 15-year-old employees from working later than 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day, and past 7 p.m. for the rest of the year. Additionally, they are not allowed to work more than 3 hours on a school day, 8 hours on a non-school day, or more than 18 hours per week. The law also prohibits minors from operating motor vehicles, forklifts, and using other hazardous equipment.
Confidential Compliance Assistance
For confidential compliance assistance, both employees and employers can call the U.S. Department of Labor’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243), regardless of their location.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
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
The article discusses the violation of child labor laws in a fast food restaurant, which is connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It is also connected to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote 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.
- 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.
The article highlights the violation of child labor laws, which is directly related to Target 8.7 under SDG 8. It also indirectly relates to Target 4.7 under SDG 4, as ensuring quality education includes educating learners about their rights and promoting sustainable development.
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.
- Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies, (b) curricula, (c) teacher education, and (d) student assessment.
The article mentions that 63 teens, aged 14 and 15, were found to be working in violation of child labor laws. This information can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 8.7. Additionally, the article indirectly implies the need for education on labor laws and sustainable development, which can be measured through Indicator 4.7.1.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| 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 4.7: 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. | Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies, (b) curricula, (c) teacher education, and (d) student assessment. |
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Source: clickondetroit.com
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