CALIFORNIA – An investigation conducted by the United States Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has revealed illegal practices in a franchise of the renowned fast-food chain Popeyes.
The owner of this franchise, with locations in Oakland, Tracy, and Newark, was found to be hiring minors as young as 13, as well as having young employees work beyond the legal limits set for minors’ working hours in the locality. Additionally, it was determined that overtime pay was not provided to employees working more than 40 hours per week, which is a blatant violation of labor laws.
This is not the first incident related to labor violations in the Popeyes franchise. Previously, in 2003 and 2022, similar infractions were recorded in the Oakland and Tracy locations. The consequences of these violations included significant fines and penalties:
Recovered Back Wages:
$39,826 in unpaid overtime to 15 employees.
$39,826 in damages compensation, also for 15 employees.
Imposed Fines:
$121,104 in civil penalties for child labor violations.
$12,104 in fines related to failure to pay overtime.
Alberto Raymond, Assistant District Director of the Wage and Hour Division in San Francisco, expressed the Department of Labor’s commitment to fighting labor violations, especially those related to the employment of minors.
Raymond stated: “The Department of Labor is committed to combating child labor violations in all sectors, including the fast-food industry. Child labor laws protect minors and help ensure that young people have positive work experiences without jeopardizing their education.”
