A Wisconsin pizza parlor has been fined after an investigation revealed it violated child labor laws by allowing underage workers to perform hazardous tasks.
Ironbluebear Inc., the operator of Pizza Parlor, was fined $99,882 for violating federal child labor standards. The U.S. Department of Labor found that the restaurant employed minors to clean meat grinders, work hot ovens, and work overtime—activities prohibited under child labor laws.
Federal regulations are strict about the type of work young employees can do and the hours they are allowed to work. According to labor officials, these violations put the young workers at significant risk.
“Learning new skills in the workforce is important, but we must ensure that children are protected and that their first jobs are safe,” said Kristin Tout, District Director for the Wage and Hour Division in Minneapolis.
Violations of Child Labor Laws
Michelle Drougas, the owner of Pizza Parlor, was found to have employed 11 underage workers in violation of labor laws. The investigation revealed that six minors were tasked with operating and cleaning a meat grinder, while seven others drove vehicles to deliver orders. These activities are prohibited under the Fair Labor Standards Act’s hazardous occupation orders. One child under the age of 16 was also found using an oven heated to temperatures between 500 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit to cook pizzas.
As a result, Drougas and Ironbluebear are required to pay the $99,882 fine in installments. They have already made an initial payment of $33,294 and will continue to pay off the balance until September 30, 2025.
New Measures for Compliance
In addition to the fine, the company will implement new safety measures. Pizza Parlor will display stickers in the workplace as part of the Youth Employment Compliance Assistance Toolkit from the Wage and Hour Division. These stickers will highlight hazardous equipment that minors should not use.
Furthermore, the restaurant will require young workers to wear color-coded shirts or name tags indicating their age. One color will be designated for workers aged 14 and 15, another for those aged 16 and 17, and a third for employees 18 and older.
“This case sends a clear message: the Department of Labor will use all necessary resources to protect children from dangerous work,” said Christine Z. Heri, Regional Solicitor in Chicago. “Employers have a responsibility to ensure that minors are not placed in unsafe situations and that their well-being is always a priority.”
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