News Brief
US Department of Labor fines Port Isabel restaurant for employing children in violation of federal labor laws
Employer name: Dirty Al’s 2 Inc., operating as Dirty Al’s at Pelican Station
Investigation sites: 201B S. Garcia St.
Port Isabel, TX 78578
Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found Dirty Al’s 2 Inc., operator of Dirty Al’s at Pelican Station in Port Isabel, violated federal law by employing eight minors, including 14 and 15 year-old children, to work as hostesses and bussers. The employer required minors to work extended hours on school days, non-school days and holidays, which exceed the limits set by federal law.
Civil money penalties: $6,328 in penalties for child labor violations
Quote: “Child labor laws vary by age and task. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that when young people work, the work does not jeopardize their health, safety or educational opportunities,” explained Wage and Hour District Director Cindy Cantu-Flores in McAllen, Texas. “The department offers many resources online to explain obligations for employers and worker rights.”
