Wendy’s franchise operator in Pa. found in violation of child labor laws

A Pennsylvania Wendy’s franchise owner fined for violating child labor laws

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, a Pennsylvania Wendy’s franchise owner violated child labor laws, including failing to give employees mandatory breaks. The franchise owner, GCWen Management, which operates 21 Wendy’s locations in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties, has been fined $300,000 for 766 violations.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Nancy Walker, Secretary of Labor & Industry, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and rights of Pennsylvania’s youth, stating that no company should prioritize profit over their wellbeing. This aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which aims to promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including young employees.

Investigation and Violations

The investigation was initiated following a tip received by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, which reported minor injuries of children at various Wendy’s locations. The violations identified during the investigation include:

• 432 violations of failure to provide breaks on or before the 5th hour of work, involving 81 children.
• 18 violations of not securing work permits, involving 18 children.
• 98 violations of failure to announce employment or employment change to a school district, involving 98 children.
• 10 violations of no parent authorization, involving 10 children.
• 208 violations of excessive hours worked, involving 34 children.

In addition to the failure to provide breaks, GCWen Management also hired workers without mandatory work permits and parent authorization. The company allowed young employees to work longer hours than what is mandated by the state. These violations go against SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all children, including their protection from hazardous work.

Child Labor Act and Penalties

Under Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act, enforced by the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, employers are required to follow guidelines for the health, safety, and welfare of employed children. These guidelines include limiting employment in certain establishments, restricting work hours, regulating conditions, and requiring work permits for children hired for specific positions. Violations of the Child Labor Act can result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation. This aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which aims to promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs that are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified 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.
– Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

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 or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators are:
– Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
– Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
– Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards eradicating child labor, increasing relevant skills for employment, and ending abuse and exploitation of children.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: pennlive.com

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