U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results in San Diego Restaurant Paying Penalties for Child Labor Violations

SAN DIEGO, CA – A San Diego Chuck E. Cheese restaurant will pay $3,928 in penalties after investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) found the restaurant employed minors in violation of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WHD investigators discovered that minors were using a dough mixer as part of their employment, in violation of child labor provisions of the FLSA that prohibit employees under 18 years old from setting up, operating, cleaning, or adjusting such machinery.  Investigators also found recordkeeping violations resulting from the employer's failure to maintain proof of birth dates for the minor employees.

"We encourage employers to contact the Wage and Hour Division for assistance, and to make use of the many tools we provide to help them understand the law and avoid violations," said Rodolfo Cortes, WHD District Director in San Diego.

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the Division's toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at www.dol.gov/whd/ including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by WHD.