mmpressrelease2

Contact:
Mary M. Bruner
Department of Labor Press Secretary
540.809.9207
email: ​marymbruner@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2014
Department of Labor Finds High Compliance with Child Labor Laws in the Food Industry
Richmond, VA ­­ ​An investigation done by the Department of Labor found an overall high level
of compliance with youth employment provisions in the food industry. The investigation
surveyed full service restaurants, fast food restaurants and the supermarkets.
The Department of Labor’s Employment Standards Administration’s Wage and Hour Division
conducted the investigation to determine the level of compliance in the food industry, as part of a
strategic plan to increase compliance. The survey included an investigation of 309 various
establishments. Of the 309 firms surveyed, 40 were establishments with previous violations.
The supermarket industry has the highest level of compliance of the three categories with 82% of
establishments in compliance with youth employment regulations. On the other hand, only 70%
of the fast food establishments were in youth employment compliance. Seventy­eight percent of
full service restaurants were in compliance.
Investigations of establishments with previous violations was another component of the study.
Fast food establishments saw the greatest improvement. Of the establishments being
reinvestigated, 97% were found to be in compliance with the regulations.. Each industry showed
improvement in compliance of at least 90%.

“The investigation showed us just what the Department of Labor was hoping to see: more and
more establishments in the food industry are complying with youth employment regulations,”
said Thomas Perez, the Secretary of Labor.
However, over half of the violations in each industry were hours and time of day standards.
Total, 87% of the violations involved youth working more than an hour past the time standard.
On the other hand, the investigation found that compliance with minimum wage and overtime
provisions for youth was almost universal.
“It’s important that we always make sure kids are working in safe environments and being
treated fairly,” said Secretary Perez. “The Department of Labor will always make sure that we
keep employers in compliance, without discouraging them from hiring youth. It’s important that
we still give our kids the opportunity to get out there and get valuable work experience in a safe
environment.”
The Department of Labor will conduct a follow­up investigation in 2018 that focuses on
increasing compliance with hours and time of day standards for youth employment.
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