Popeyes franchisee pays $212K after US Department of Labor investigation finds child labor, overtime violations
Popeyes franchisee pays $212K after US Department of Labor investigation finds child labor, overtime violations US Department of Labor
sdgtalks
Employer:
14th St. Chicken Corp., operating as Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits
7007 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94621
Investigation findings:
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found a Popeyes fast-food chain franchisee hired children as young as 13-years-old and minors who worked later and longer than permitted by child labor laws at the employer’s three Oakland, Tracy, and Newark locations. Investigators also determined the employer shortchanged workers by depriving them of their overtime earnings for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This is the third time that the division has cited the Oakland-based Popeyes franchisee for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Prior violations involved the Oakland and Tracy restaurants in 2003 and 2022, respectively.
Back Wages Recovered:
- $39,826 in unpaid overtime wages for 15 employees
- $39,826 in damages for 15 employees
Civil Money Penalties:
- $121,104 in civil money penalties for child labor violations
- $12,104 in civil money penalties for overtime violations
Quote:
“The U.S. Department of Labor is determined to fight child labor violations in all sectors, including the fast-food industry,” said Wage and Hour Division Assistant District Director Alberto Raymond in San Francisco. “Child labor laws protect minors and help ensure young workers enjoy positive workplace experiences without jeopardizing their education.”
Context:
In fiscal year 2023, the Wage and Hour Division found child labor violations in more than 950 investigations, resulting in more than $8 million in penalties assessed to employers. Workers and employers can call the division confidentially with questions and the department can speak with callers in more than 200 languages. For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the agency, contact the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
This news release is also available in Spanish.
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 | – Mention of child labor violations – $121,104 in civil money penalties for child labor violations |
| 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 | – Mention of minors working longer than permitted by child labor laws, potentially jeopardizing their education |
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 targets that can be identified based on the article’s content are:
- 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 4.4: 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?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Mention of child labor violations
- $121,104 in civil money penalties for child labor violations
- Mention of minors working longer than permitted by child labor laws, potentially jeopardizing their education
4. Table: 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 | – Mention of child labor violations – $121,104 in civil money penalties for child labor violations |
| 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 | – Mention of minors working longer than permitted by child labor laws, potentially jeopardizing their education |
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: dol.gov
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
