Aug. 31, 2018 #18-026
Little
Caesars fined more than $40,000 for teen worker violations in University Place
TUMWATER — A Little Caesars Pizza restaurant franchise faces
$42,000 in fines for youth labor law violations, including allowing teenagers
to work too many hours without a rest period on more than 100 separate
occasions.
NW Caesars 1 LLC is appealing the citation and fine, which
is one of the largest in recent years that the Washington State Department of Labor
& Industries (L&I)
has issued for a workplace violation involving youth. A hearing date for the
appeal will be set in November.
“This is important because meal and rest breaks for teens are
mandatory,” said Josie Bryan, youth employment specialist for L&I. “Not
only that, but breaks can help prevent injuries on the job.”
L&I’s inspection focused on two of the franchise’s restaurants
in University Place — one at 5502 Orchard St. W., and one at 7305 40th
St. W.
The agency found there were more than a 100 separate
instances of missed rest periods. There were also violations involving minors
working during school hours, working past 10 p.m. on a school night, and working
with equipment that teens under 18 are not allowed to use.
The investigation covered the time period between December
2017 and February 2018. It was prompted by a tip to L&I that teens at one
of the restaurants were disassembling and reassembling a pizza dough sheeter –
a machine workers under 18 are prohibited from using. In all, the company was
fined $42,050.
The Lakewood based NW Caesars 1 LLC was cited and fined by
L&I for similar violations in 2015, including issues related to teen hours
worked, and teen workers using prohibited equipment. L&I consulted with the
company about teen workplace issues.
“The law is clear; there are only certain tasks teens can do
in the workplace, depending on age,” Bryan said. “Our primary goal is to keep
teen workers safe, and make sure businesses are following youth labor laws.”
More information about work requirements for teens is
available at www.Lni.wa.gov/TeenWorkers, and simply clicking on “Hours of Work.” There is also
information about prohibited duties and teen worker safety.
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For media information: Tim Church, Public Affairs, 360-902-5673.
Connect with L&I: Facebook (facebook.com/laborandindustries) and
Twitter (twitter.com/lniwa)
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