The United States Department of Labor fined three McDonald’s franchises after confirming that 305 minors were found working illegally, including two ten-year-olds.
A penalty totaling $212,544 (€191,829) was assessed against the three franchises, which operate 62 locations across Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio.
Reports indicate that two ten-year-old boys worked late into the night, doing so without any compensation and without exposure to dangerous machinery such as deep fryers, constraints that run counter to federal child labor protections for anyone under 16.
The remaining minors involved were largely ages 14 and 15. They worked hours that exceeded what would be allowed for their age, with typical school-day limits easily eclipsed. Some schedules began before school commitments ended, and a number of shifts extended during school hours.
Karen Garnett Civils, the regional director of the Wage and Hour Division in Louisville, Kentucky, underscored the pattern: employers frequently breach child labor laws meant to safeguard young workers.
She emphasized that under no circumstances should a ten-year-old be stationed near hot grills, ovens, and deep fryers in a fast-food kitchen. The director also noted a rise in federal child labor law violations in recent months.
A supervisor for one of the affected chains provided a statement explaining that the two ten-year-old boys had visited the facility to see their father, who serves as the night supervisor.
He sought to clarify that any so-called “work” performed by the boys occurred under his father’s supervision and presence, and that the children had not been granted any authority by their superiors.
Industry observers point to a broader concern about enforcement gaps and the need for rigorous oversight in fast-food operations, where scheduling pressures and labor demands can tempt practices that violate the minimum age requirements and weekly hour limits.
Advocates for youth workers stress that employers must adhere to the letter of child labor laws, ensuring safe workplaces and appropriate hours for all minors. The incident has renewed calls for stronger training, clearer audits, and more transparent reporting to prevent repetitions across the sector.
In response to the findings, labor officials pledged continued scrutiny of hiring practices in quick-service restaurants and reminded employers about punitive consequences for violations, including fines and possible remedial actions to protect young workers. These measures aim to reinforce a legal framework designed to shield minors from unsafe work environments while balancing education and developmental needs.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing responsibilities faced by restaurant operators and franchisees to maintain compliant schedules, fair compensation, and age-appropriate job assignments. Authorities encourage employers to review their hiring practices, training protocols, and shift planning to ensure full compliance with federal child labor standards.
The department’s representatives indicate that ongoing enforcement efforts will continue across the industry to identify and remedy violations swiftly, with a focus on safeguarding the welfare of young workers and upholding the integrity of labor rules that govern workplaces across the nation.