Tampa Chick-fil-A owner fined $12K for violating child labor laws

A local Chick-fil-A  is facing a steep penalty after authorities discovered middle school-aged employees were being overworked.

On Aug. 2, a Tampa Chick-fil-A franchise, located at 2551 N Dale Mabry Hwy., was fined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for violating child labor laws.

Investigators found that between Labor Day and June 1, the fast-food restaurant, which is owned by Brito Enterprises of Tampa Inc., allowed 17 workers, ages 14 and 15, to work past 7 p.m. or more than three hours during a school day.

As a result of violating child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the owner of the franchise was fined $12,478 in civil money penalties.

"Employers must familiarize themselves with the working conditions that come with hiring minor employees. While gaining meaningful work experience is a good thing, it should not interfere with a child’s educational opportunities," said Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicolas Ratmiroff in a statement. "We encourage employers to access our Youthrules.gov website or contact the Wage and Hour Division to learn how to keep these young workers safe on the job."

This isn't the first time that Chick-fil-A has been in the news for questionable labor practices. 

Last month, a Chick-fil-A in Hendersonville, North Carolina was under fire for offering to pay "volunteers" with chicken sandwiches for working the drive-thru line. After heavy criticism, the Chick-fil-A revoked their proposal and released an apology statement.

To report labor law violations, visit youthrules.gov, call 1-866-4-US-WAGE or contact the Wage and Hour Division.