Crime
The hamburger chain scheduled minors to work more hours than legally allowed, AG Campbell said in a statement.
Attorney General Andrea Campbell reached a settlement with fast food chain Shake Shack over child labor violations, Boston 25 News reported on Tuesday.
The burger restaurant will pay a total of $244,500 for failing to obtain work permits from minors, scheduling minors to work during prohibited hours, and scheduling minors past the maximum 48-hour work week, according to the station.
Massachusetts child labor laws say 14-15 year olds can work a maximum of 40 hours a week while school is not in session. 16-17 year olds can work a maximum of 48 hours during the summer.
Campbell’s office told Boston 25 News that more than 200 employees were affected at 12 different locations across the Commonwealth. The franchises involved were located in Andover, Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Everett, Hingham, Somerville, Watertown, and Woburn, the statement said.
Of the $244,500 fine, Boston 25 News reported half will cover penalties. The remaining half will go toward a state fund dedicated to educating and enforcing Massachusetts employment laws.
In the report, Campbell said her office launched an investigation after it received a complain about the Shake Shack in Woburn. Boston 25 News said the location was scheduling minors past the legal limit of hours. Campbell said the burger chain cooperated with the investigation.
“Our child labor laws protect vulnerable young people as they embark on jobs to learn skills, give back to their communities, and earn their own money,” Campbell said in the statement.
Shake Shack did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the fines.
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