WEAU investigates Burger King franchise operator over allegations of multi-state labor violations – WEAU

Investigation Report: Child Labor and Wage Violations by Cave Enterprises

Overview

WEAU has uncovered significant allegations of child labor and wage violations against Cave Enterprises, a Burger King franchise operator active in multiple states. This investigation highlights critical concerns related to labor rights and the protection of young workers, directly impacting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Findings from Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Scope of Violations

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development identified 1,656 violations affecting nearly 1,400 young workers across 104 Burger King locations. This case is recognized as the largest child labor violation in modern Wisconsin history.

Types of Violations

• Minors employed without work permits
• Failure to provide legally mandated meal breaks
• Non-payment of overtime wages
• Employment of a 13-year-old at a Green Bay location, violating age restrictions

Legal and Financial Consequences

1. Cave Enterprises owes over $237,000 in penalties.
2. Deadline for payment set for February 25.
3. Potential for court action and additional penalties if payment is not made.

Investigation Background

The investigation was initiated following 33 complaints filed between 2020 and 2023, revealing a systematic pattern of labor law violations. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek emphasized the company’s awareness of employment laws and the seriousness of the infractions.

Multi-State Investigation and Legal Actions

Expansion Beyond Wisconsin

• Cave Enterprises operates Burger King franchises in eight states, including Illinois and Minnesota.
• WEAU has filed Freedom of Information requests with the Illinois Department of Labor to obtain records of complaints or enforcement actions.
• Illinois authorities have engaged with Wisconsin counterparts to gather additional information.

Legal Proceedings in Minnesota

• The city of Duluth has filed a lawsuit against Cave Enterprises for alleged violations of the city’s paid sick leave ordinance.
• A hearing is scheduled for March 16, with a trial set for June 9, 2026.
• The same legal representation is involved in both Wisconsin and Minnesota cases.

Prior Litigation in Wisconsin

In 2023, six Burger King managers and assistant managers in Milwaukee filed a lawsuit alleging unpaid overtime despite working over 40 hours per week. The case was settled for $2 million in Milwaukee County Court.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Ensuring fair wages and legal working conditions for all employees, including minors.
• Promoting safe and equitable labor practices within franchise operations.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Protecting vulnerable youth workers from exploitation and illegal labor practices.
• Addressing systemic inequalities in workplace treatment and compensation.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Enforcing labor laws and holding corporations accountable.
• Strengthening legal frameworks and cooperation between states for labor rights enforcement.

Next Steps and Ongoing Monitoring

1. Monitoring Cave Enterprises’ compliance with the payment deadline and potential court actions.
2. Tracking the Minnesota trial and further legal developments.
3. Continuing multi-state investigations to ensure comprehensive enforcement of labor laws.
4. Engaging with labor agencies to promote transparency and accountability.

WEAU remains committed to reporting on this case and its implications for labor rights and sustainable development.

Copyright 2026 WEAU. All rights reserved.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights issues related to child labor, wage violations, unpaid overtime, and lack of compliance with labor laws, all of which directly relate to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The enforcement of labor laws, legal actions, and multi-state investigations reflect the role of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions in upholding justice and protecting workers’ rights.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. Under 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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
2. Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8 Targets
   • Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5–17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age.
   • Indicator 8.5.1: Employment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator related to wage violations: Number of labor law violations related to wage and hour laws (implied through reported wage violations and unpaid overtime).
2. For SDG 16 Targets
   • Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population (implied through legal enforcement actions).
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied through effectiveness of labor enforcement agencies and transparency in handling complaints).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: weau.com