Popeyes franchisee pays $212K after US Department of Labor investigation finds child labor, overtime violations

Employer:      14th St. Chicken Corp., operating as Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits

                        7007 International Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94621                                                                                                     

Investigation findings: An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found a Popeyes fast-food chain franchisee hired children as young as 13-years-old and minors who worked later and longer than permitted by child labor laws at the employer’s three Oakland, Tracy and Newark locations. Investigators also determined the employer shortchanged workers by depriving them of their overtime earnings for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This is the third time that the division has cited the Oakland-based Popeyes franchisee for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Prior violations involved the Oakland and Tracy restaurants in 2003 and 2022, respectively.

Back Wages Recovered:       $39,826 in unpaid overtime wages for 15 employees

$39,826 in damages for 15 employees                                                                             

                                                $121,104 in civil money penalties for child labor violations

                                                $12,104 in civil money penalties for overtime violations

Quote: “The U.S. Department of Labor is determined to fight child labor violations in all sectors, including the fast-food industry,” said Wage and Hour Division Assistant District Director Alberto Raymond in San Francisco. “Child labor laws protect minors and help ensure young workers enjoy positive workplace experiences without jeopardizing their education.” 

Context: In fiscal year 2023, the Wage and Hour Division found child labor violations in more than 950 investigations, resulting in more than $8 million in penalties assessed to employers. Workers and employers can call the division confidentially with questions and the department can speak with callers in more than 200 languages. For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the agency, contact the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).

This news release is also available in Spanish.