TEXAS — The U.S. Department of Labor says investigators found child labor violations affecting 83 minors at 16 McDonald’s restaurants in Central Texas and Louisiana.

The department said violations were found at restaurants in Georgetown, Leander and Cedar Park. The Texas restaurants are accused of working 10 teenagers, ages 14 and 15, longer and later than permitted.

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Department of Labor says investigators found child labor violations at 16 McDonald's restaurants in Central Texas and Louisiana 

  • The Central Texas restaurants identified by the department are in Leander, Cedar Park and Georgetown

  • The restaurants are accused of working teenagers for longer and later than permitted by law. They're also accused of having teens operate equipment they're prohibited from using or which is considered dangerous for young workers 

  • Marwen & Son LLC, which operates the Texas restaurants, was fined $21,466

The Texas locations, operated by Marwen & Son LLC, are also accused of allowing seven teens to perform jobs that they’re prohibited from doing or which are deemed hazardous for young workers.  

Specifically, the department said, the teens were operating a manual deep fryer and oven. Two of them operated a trash compacter.

Marwen & Son LLC was fined $21,466.

“Employers must never jeopardize the safety and well-being of young workers or interfere with their education,” said Dallas Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Betty Campbell. “While learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up, an employer’s first obligation is to make sure minor-aged children are protected from potential workplace hazards.”

It was much the same in Louisiana. Investigators found 72 teens at 12 locations were working longer and later than permitted and using equipment they’re prohibited from using. The restaurants are operated by CLB Investments LLC. The company was fined $56,106.

These findings follow a May announcement of federal investigations that found three McDonald’s franchise operators violating child labor laws, involving more than 300 children, some as young as 10, at 62 locations in four states.

“We take this issue seriously and are committed to ensuring our franchisees have the resources they need to maintain compliance with all U.S. labor laws,” Tiffanie Boyd, Chief People Officer, McDonald’s USA, said in a statement.