Wisconsin accuses Burger King franchise operator of thousands of child labor violations – WPR

Investigation Uncovers Child Labor Violations at Wisconsin Burger King Franchise

Background and Findings

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has ordered Cave Enterprises, LLC, operator of over 100 Burger King restaurants in Wisconsin, to repay $237,437 in wages owed to teenage employees. This action follows the identification of more than 1,600 violations of state child labor and wage laws affecting over 600 minors.

To resolve the matter without court intervention, Cave Enterprises may opt to pay $828,000, equating to $500 per violation as determined by the DWD.

Scope of Violations

• Employment of 14- and 15-year-olds without required work permits.
• Permitting lengthy shifts without mandated meal breaks for young workers.
• Allowing employees under 16 to work outside legally permitted hours for school-age workers.

The DWD’s investigation spanned two years, from January 2023 to January 2025, marking this as the largest case of child labor and wage payment violations in modern Wisconsin history.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

This case highlights critical issues related to SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Protecting young workers from exploitation and ensuring fair wages directly supports this goal.

SDG 4: Quality Education

By enforcing legal working hours for school-age workers, the DWD helps safeguard the right to education, ensuring that employment does not interfere with schooling, in line with SDG 4.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The investigation and enforcement actions demonstrate the role of strong institutions in upholding labor laws and protecting vulnerable populations, contributing to SDG 16.

Government and Stakeholder Responses

1. Governor Tony Evers: Emphasized the responsibility to protect young workers from exploitation and hazardous conditions, reaffirming commitment to child labor protections despite prior legislative attempts to weaken them.
2. Department of Workforce Development: Initiated the investigation following 33 complaints and issued a determination letter to Cave Enterprises.
3. Burger King Corporate: Stated they are collaborating with the franchisee to ensure compliance with labor standards across their restaurants.

Legal Context and Policy Implications

• Wisconsin law requires work permits for workers under 16, a regulation upheld by Governor Evers in 2024 through vetoing legislation that sought to remove this requirement for 14- and 15-year-olds.
• Previous legislative changes in 2017 eliminated permit requirements for 17- and 18-year-olds.

Conclusion

The DWD’s enforcement action against Cave Enterprises underscores the importance of upholding labor laws to protect youth employment rights, contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Continued vigilance and strong institutional frameworks remain essential to prevent exploitation and promote decent work conditions for young workers in Wisconsin.

Source: Wisconsin Public Radio, © 2026 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article focuses on labor violations, child labor laws, wage payments, and working conditions, which are directly related to promoting decent work for all, including young workers.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The enforcement of labor laws and legal actions taken by the Department of Workforce Development reflect the role of strong institutions and justice systems in protecting workers’ rights.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article mentions legal restrictions on working hours for school-age workers, implying the protection of educational time and the balance between work and schooling.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

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.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including young workers.
2. 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.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
   • Implied target related to protecting school-age children from excessive work hours that interfere with education.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8 Targets
   • Number of violations of child labor laws (e.g., 1,600 violations identified).
   • Number of underage workers affected (e.g., more than 600 kids).
   • Amount of wages owed and fines imposed as a measure of enforcement effectiveness.
   • Compliance with work permit requirements for young workers.
2. For SDG 16 Targets
   • Number of investigations and enforcement actions taken by labor departments.
   • Legal outcomes such as fines or settlements to ensure accountability.
3. For SDG 4 Targets
   • Compliance with legal restrictions on working hours for school-age workers to ensure education is not disrupted.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wpr.org