Wisconsin demands $1M from Burger King franchisee over 1,600 alleged child labor, wage violations – Fox Business

Report on Child Labor Violations by Burger King Franchisee in Wisconsin

Overview of Violations and Legal Actions

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has identified over 1,600 child labor and wage violations committed by Cave Enterprises Operations LLC, an Illinois-based company operating 105 Burger King franchises in Wisconsin. This case represents the largest determination of child labor and wage payment violations in modern Wisconsin history.

Details of Violations

• At least 1,656 violations of state child labor and wage payment laws were recorded over a two-year period ending January 2025.
• More than 600 minors were affected, including:
• 593 employees aged 14 and 15 started work without required child labor permits.
• 627 minors worked shifts of six hours or more without legally mandated meal breaks.
• Hundreds of minors under 16 worked outside permitted hours or exceeded limits for school-age workers.

Financial Penalties and Compensation

1. Cave Enterprises must pay $237,437.29 in unpaid regular wages, overtime, and penalty wages to affected employees.
2. Workers are entitled to liquidated damages up to 200% of lost wages under state law.
3. DWD seeks civil penalties up to $828,000, calculated at $500 per violation, bringing total potential exposure to over $1 million.

Government Response and Enforcement

• Governor Tony Evers emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting minors from exploitation and hazardous working conditions, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
• DWD’s Equal Rights Division initiated the investigation following 33 complaints between 2020 and 2023.
• The agency has offered to resolve the matter without court action if Cave Enterprises pays owed wages and penalties within 20 days.
• Failure to comply will result in enforcement through the Wisconsin Department of Justice and possible court rulings.
• Cave Enterprises is ordered to immediately comply with Wisconsin’s Employment of Minors laws to prevent future violations.

Significance in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This enforcement action highlights critical aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Ensuring safe and fair labor practices for young workers and promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Protecting minors from excessive work hours that interfere with their education.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Upholding labor laws and promoting justice through effective enforcement mechanisms.

Conclusion

The case against Cave Enterprises Operations LLC underscores the importance of rigorous enforcement of child labor laws to protect vulnerable youth and uphold labor rights. It serves as a significant example of state-level commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting decent work conditions, protecting children’s rights, and ensuring legal accountability for employers.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article focuses on child labor violations and wage payment issues, directly relating to promoting decent work conditions and protecting labor rights.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The enforcement actions by Wisconsin officials and the Department of Workforce Development reflect the role of strong institutions in ensuring justice and accountability.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Issues related to minors working outside permitted hours or exceeding limits for school-age workers imply concerns about balancing work and education.

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 8.5: 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. 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.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8 Targets:
   • Number of child labor violations recorded (e.g., 1,656 violations reported).
   • Number of minors employed without required permits (593 employees aged 14 and 15 without permits).
   • Number of minors working beyond legally permitted hours or without required breaks (627 minors worked shifts of six hours or more without meal breaks).
   • Amount of unpaid wages and penalties recovered ($237,437.29 in unpaid wages plus civil penalties up to $828,000).
2. For SDG 16 Targets:
   • Number of enforcement actions and legal proceedings initiated against violations.
   • Compliance rate of companies with labor laws after enforcement actions.
3. For SDG 4 Targets:
   • Incidence of minors working outside permitted hours that may interfere with schooling.
   • Number of violations related to school-age workers exceeding work limits.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: foxbusiness.com