News Brief
US Department of Labor fines Utah Baskin Robbins franchisee for violating federal child labor law at 8 locations
Employer name: JODE LLC, operating as Baskin Robbins
Investigation sites: 51 Northwest State St., American Fork, UT 84003
530 S. Main St., Bountiful, UT 84010
435 State, St., Clearfield, UT 84015
1088 E Gentile St., Layton, UT 84041
1465 E 2100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84105
9497 S. 700 E, Sandy, UT 84070
7689 S. Jordan Landing Blvd. 190, West Jordan, UT 840843
490 W. 3500 S., West Valley, UT 84119
Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found the employer violated federal law by allowing 64 minor employees, ages 14- to 15-years-old, to work too late in the day and too many hours in a week while school was in session at eight locations. These restaurants are located in American Fork, Bountiful, Clearfield, Layton, Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Jordan and West Valley. The employer stated they relied on erroneous legal guidance advising it to follow state guidelines and were unaware of federal requirements. Several recordkeeping violations were also found.
Civil Money Penalties: The division assessed $49,833 in penalties for child labor violations.
Quote: “Employers must be aware of, and comply with, all federal labor standards, particularly when it comes to young workers,” explained Wage and Hour District Director Kevin Hunt in Salt Lake City. “Where a disparity exists between federal and state laws, employers must adhere to the most stringent standards. We encourage employers and employees to contact our office directly to get accurate information pertaining to federal labor laws and avoid an unfortunate situation like this one.”
