-INVESTIGATIONS-
McDonald’s, a brand synonymous with children, was illegally exploiting kids working at several Pittsburgh-area restaurants.
Federal investigators found child labor violations at 13 McDonald’s locations in the Pittsburgh area, including restaurants in Coraopolis, Kennedy and Moon Township.
The violations involved 101 minor-aged workers at fast food spots operated by Santonastasso Enterprises LLC, based in Bridgeville. Santonastasso Enterprises LLC, owned by John and Kathleen Santonastasso, paid a civil money penalty of $57,332 assessed by the division for the violations.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division determined the franchisee, which operates as McDonald’s Restaurant, permitted 14-and-15-year-old employees to work outside permissible hours.
These violations included allowing them to work more than three hours per day and after 7 p.m. on school days when the law forbids work beyond that time, later than 9 p.m. on days between June 1 and Labor Day, when they may legally work until 9 p.m. and having children work more than 8 hours on a non-school day, and more than 18 hours a week during a regular school week.
These failures led to violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
“Permitting young workers to work excessive hours can jeopardize their safety, well-being and education,” explained Wage and Hour District Director John DuMont in Pittsburgh via press release from the Department of Labor.
“Employers who hire young workers must understand and comply with federal child labor laws or face costly consequences.”