Utah family fun centers found in violation of child labor laws
Utah family fun centers busted for violating these child labor laws FOX 13 News Utah
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Violations of Child Labor Laws
Introduction
Two family-fun centers in Syracuse and West Jordan have been found to be in violation of federal child labor laws, as well as minimum wage and overtime regulations, according to the Department of Labor.
Violation of Child Labor Laws
The Rush Funplex, the facilities in question, employed 76 children aged 14 or 15 years old and allowed them to work longer and later than permitted during school hours. This is a clear violation of the strict laws in place for teenagers under 16 years old.
- Teens cannot work before or after school for more than four hours a day.
- They cannot work before 5 a.m. or after 9:30 p.m. on school nights.
- They cannot work during school hours without proper permission.
Prohibited Equipment Usage
An investigation into Syracuse Family Fun LLC, the operator of the centers, revealed that employed children were allowed to use prohibited equipment such as fryers, pizza ovens, and go-carts.
Minimum Wage and Overtime Violations
The Department of Labor discovered that payroll was missed and the legally required minimum wage was not paid to seven employees, including two children, at the Syracuse and West Jordan locations. Additionally, overtime wages for adults and one child employee were not paid at the Syracuse facility.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The violations mentioned above are in direct contradiction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. The SDGs aim to promote decent work and economic growth (Goal 8) and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education (Goal 4).
Penalties and Resolution
The Department of Labor imposed penalties amounting to $166,908 for the violations. Additionally, $6,009 in back wages were recovered to resolve the non-payment issues.
Response from The Rush Funplex
In response to the violations, The Rush Funplex management team issued a statement acknowledging their non-compliance and stating that they have worked with investigators for months to implement corrective policies. They have also committed to preventing future occurrences of non-compliance.
Conclusion
Syracuse Family Fun LLC operates multiple entertainment centers across the United States, with most of them located in Utah. It is crucial for such establishments to adhere to child labor laws and promote the SDGs to ensure the well-being and rights of young workers.
- Other centers operated by Syracuse Family Fun LLC are located in Orem and Pleasant View in Utah, as well as in Shawnee, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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. | – Number of children employed in violation of child labor laws – Number of children allowed to work longer and later than permitted during school hours |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | – Number of child employees allowed to use prohibited equipment – Number of employees not paid minimum wage – Number of employees not paid overtime wages |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 4: Quality Education
The issue of child labor violations in the article is connected to SDG 4, which aims to ensure quality education for all. Child labor can hinder children’s access to education and their ability to acquire relevant skills for future employment.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issue of violations of minimum wage and overtime regulations is connected to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
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 highlights that children as young as 14 or 15 years old were employed at the family-fun centers in violation of child labor laws. This indicates a lack of relevant skills and training for employment, as these children should be prioritizing their education instead of working.
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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
The article mentions that children were allowed to use prohibited equipment, indicating a violation of child labor laws. Additionally, the failure to pay minimum wage and overtime wages to employees, including children, further highlights the issue of exploitative labor practices.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
For Target 4.4:
– Number of children employed in violation of child labor laws
– Number of children allowed to work longer and later than permitted during school hours
For Target 8.7:
– Number of child employees allowed to use prohibited equipment
– Number of employees not paid minimum wage
– Number of employees not paid overtime wages
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by monitoring the reduction in the number of child labor violations and ensuring proper payment of wages to employees.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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. | – Number of children employed in violation of child labor laws – Number of children allowed to work longer and later than permitted during school hours |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | – Number of child employees allowed to use prohibited equipment – Number of employees not paid minimum wage – Number of employees not paid overtime wages |
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: fox13now.com
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