Investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Wage and Hour Division found that American Pizza Empire LLC of the Riverview location (5918 Providence Rd.) violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by allowing three 15-year-olds to work past 7 p.m. or more than three hours during a school day between Labor Day and June 1.
The business again violated the FLSA after allowing a 15-year-old to operate a power-driven bakery machine to stretch and flatten pizza dough. The same worker accounted for an additional violation after sustaining a burn to their hand during baking activities.
As a result, the business was fined nearly $7,950 in civil money penalties.
Just two weeks prior, a Tampa Chic-fil-A franchise also faced penalties for violating child labor laws.
While the Chic-fil-A at 2551 N Dale Mabry Hwy. violated the same laws, the franchise only faced just over $12,478 in penalties for violating provisions with 17 workers.
“Employers must understand child labor rules and regulations when they decide to hire minor-aged workers," said Tampa Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicolas Ratmiroff in a press release. "Learning about hazardous occupations for minors after an incident occurs can lead to serious and costly consequences.”
The Riverview franchise's case only adds to the fines the Marco's chain has collected in the past.
In December 2021, a Charleston-area Marco's Pizza faced over $101K in civil money penalties after DOL investigators found they endangered minor-aged workers by making them perform hazardous or prohibited duties. A Charleston franchise also faced $5,425 in back wages for 26 workers.
To report labor law violations, visit youthrules.gov, call 1-866-4-US-WAGE or contact the Wage and Hour Division.
