Pool Company Pays Penalties for Child Labor Violations Following a U.S. Department of Labor Investigation

HOUSTON, TX – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (the Department’s) Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Aquatic Management of Houston Inc., located in Houston, Texas has paid $22,236 in civil money penalties to resolve child labor violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WHD investigators found that Aquatic Management of Houston employed 67 15-year-old minors to work more hours each day than the law allows, and during times prohibited for that age group. Affected employees worked more than three hours on days when school was in session and more than eight hours on days when school was not in session. The employer also allowed them to work past 7:00 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1, and after 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day, which is also prohibited.

“Federal employment standards for young workers ensure that American youth gain a positive work experience that does not interfere with their education, health and well-being,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Robin Mallett in Houston, Texas. “Employers can avoid child labor violations when they understand the rules and familiarize key business personnel about such rules prior to hiring minors.”

Aquatic Management of Houston Inc. is one of 16 swimming pool management companies owned by parent company The Pool Management Group.

The Department offers numerous resources to ensure employers have the tools they need to understand their responsibilities and to comply with federal law, such as online videos, confidential calls, or in-person visits to local WHD offices.

For more information about the FLSA, child labor and other laws enforced by the division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd, including a search tool for workers who may be owed back wages collected by WHD.

The mission of WHD is to promote and achieve compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the nation's workforce. WHD enforces federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. WHD also enforces the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage garnishment provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act and a number of employment standards and worker protections as provided in several immigration related statutes. Additionally, WHD administers and enforces the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis Bacon Act and the Service Contract Act and other statutes applicable to federal contracts for construction and for the provision of goods and services.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.