According to a recent investigation by the US Department of Labour, two 10-year-old children were found working unpaid shifts at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kentucky, sometimes until as late as 2am. The children were tasked with operating the cash register, drive-thru, and deep fat fryer, and were also responsible for cleaning the floors. Bauer Food, LLC, the operator of this franchised McDonald’s restaurant, employed the children. The franchise owner, Sean Bauer, claimed that the children were visiting their parent, who works as the night manager, and were not authorized to work. However, this investigation also found three franchisees, owning over 60 McDonald’s locations, committing numerous child labor violations, including “employing 305 children to work more than the legally permitted hours and perform tasks prohibited by law for young workers.” In response, the franchisees face a combined $212,754 (£169,788) in civil money penalties. Such violations are unacceptable, and employers should always ensure that child labour laws are adhered to, especially given the dangers associated with working in fast-food kitchens.
