An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor has found 13 Pittsburgh area McDonald’s locations violating child labor laws.
A release from the Department of Labor shows 101 minor-aged workers at McDonald’s locations operated by Santonastasso enterprises LLC, based in Bridgeville, were allowed to work outside of permissible hours.
The 14-and-15-year-old employees worked, according to the Dept. of Labor:
More than 3 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. More than 8 hours on a non-school day, and more than 18 hours a week during a regular school week.
“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. “Employers who hire young workers must understand and comply with federal child labor laws or face costly consequences.”
The violations took place at the following locations:
Washington Pike in Bridgeville – 11 employees
Mt. Lebanon Blvd in Castle Shannon – 9 employees
4th Ave. in Coraopolis – 7 employees
Poplar St. in Green Tree – 10 employees
Gracy Center Way in Moon Twp. – 5 employees
Pittsburgh Road in Star Junction – 4 employees
Pine Hollow Road in Kennedy Twp. – 5 employees
Davis Blvd in Pittsburgh – 6 employees
Forbes Ave. in Pittsburgh – 11 employees
Liberty Ave. in Pittsburgh 3 – employees
Penn Ave. in Pittsburgh 18 – employees
East Roy Furman Highway in Waynesburg – 3 employees
Sugar Run in Waynesburg – 9 employees.
In addition, a 16-year-old was operating a deep fryer that wasn’t equipped in an automatic device to lower and raise the baskets at the McDonald’s location on Davis Boulevard in Pittsburgh.
Santonastasso payed a $57,332 penalty.
Learn more about Child Labor laws here.