Texas McDonald’s Franchisee Violated Child Labor Laws, Per Department of Labor Investigation

McDonald’s Franchisee Violates Child Labor Laws, According to Department of Labor Investigation

Despite McDonald’s decreasing staff sizes in their restaurants with more technology-focused customer service interaction, a federal investigation into locations in Texas found multiple stores were violating child labor laws.

Investigation and Violations

Four McDonald’s locations in Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Leander operated by Marwen & Son, LLC were investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and found to be employing 10 minors between 14 and 15 years old.

These locations were reportedly allowing the minors to operate manual deep fryers and ovens and use a trash compactor. The work activities are in violation of the Hazardous Occupations Orders (HO), which are a subsection of the Child Labor Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for Nonagricultural Occupations.

Child Labor Regulations

The HO details how child labor regulations ban 14- and 15-year-olds from manually operating deep fryers, but that “they may cook with deep fryers that are equipped with and utilize a device that automatically lowers the baskets into the hot oil or grease and automatically raise[s] the baskets.”

Fines and Penalties

Marwen & Sons has been fined $21,466 in penalties for the infractions.

Importance of Protecting Young Workers

“Employers must never jeopardize the safety and well-being of young workers or interfere with their education,” the Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Betty Campbell in Dallas told the Associated Press.

“While learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up, an employer’s first obligation is to make sure minor-aged children are protected from potential workplace hazards.”

Response and Statistics

In response to the investigation and findings from the Department of Labor, state Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) stated on social media, “It’s a good thing for teenagers to get jobs.”

According to McDonald’s itself, one in eight Americans have reportedly worked at a McDonald’s restaurant and many get their first job in the food industry. Recent data shows 37 percent of all restaurant and foodservice employees are under the age of 25.

Impact of Digitalization

McDonald’s made a deliberate decision in 2017 as part of its “Velocity Growth Plan” to focus on more digital services, which has resulted in a 50 percent reduction in the overall number of employees in the past six years.

The digitalization of the restaurant industry includes an increased use of interactive kiosks, contactless payment methods, and automation in the food preparation process, which results in a smaller work force and reduced labor costs for corporations.

Automation and Job Opportunities

Fort Worth is host to the country’s first fully automated McDonalds restaurant, where no indoor seating is provided and customers can either pick up their food from a conveyor belt in the drive-through or order on kiosks inside the restaurant.

But despite concerns that an automated restaurant would eliminate entry-level jobs, McDonald’s says the stores utilizing automation will still require a comparable number of team members as a traditional location.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. 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 (relevant for child labor violations).

2. 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 (relevant for the digitalization of the restaurant industry).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article addresses or is connected to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
2. SDG 4: Quality Education

Based on the content of the article, the specific targets under these SDGs can be identified as:

1. 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.
2. 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 article mentions or implies the following indicators 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 (relevant for child labor violations).
• Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill (relevant for the digitalization of the restaurant industry).

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: thetexan.news

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