Dunkin’ franchises to pay $1M+ million to settle child labor claims

Dunkin’ child labor settlement overview:

• Who: Dunkin’ franchisees have agreed to pay $1 million over allegations they violated Massachusetts child labor laws.
• Why: The state’s attorney general says the franchisees failed to provide meal breaks for minors who worked longer than six-hour shifts and that minors were permitted to work after 8:00 p.m. without an adult supervisor present.
• Where: The Dunkin’ settlement was reached in Massachusetts.

A group of Dunkin’ franchisees who owned and operated more than two dozen Dunkin’ locations in Massachusetts have reached a $1 million settlement over allegations they violated the state’s child labor laws, Law360 reports.

The franchisees allegedly permitted minors to work long hours without meal breaks as required by wage and hour laws.

“Companies who employ young workers must comply with our child labor laws and provide a safe and fair environment for them,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

“My office remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of the state’s youngest workers, ensuring their rights are protected, and that companies are complying with the rules we have in place.”

Dunkin’ child labor law violations allegedly included missed meal breaks, working after 8:00 p.m. without adult supervisor

The alleged Dunkin’ child labor violations included allowing minors to work after 8:00 p.m. without an adult supervisor present and requiring them to work a shift of more than six hours without a meal break. In some cases, youth allegedly worked for Dunkin’ without having a work permit.

Hundreds of minor workers may have been affected by the alleged Dunkin’ child labor law violations, Campbell said.

Under the terms of the Dunkin’ settlement, the franchise owners will pay $500,000 in citations and $500,000 for a fund dedicated to the enforcement and education of Massachusetts wage and hour laws.

Another Dunkin’ franchise owner who was investigated over similar allegations also recently agreed to pay more than $100,000 in citations, according to Law360.

Dunkin’ child labor concerns have been the target of several recent investigations by Campbell. In April, two Dunkin’ franchisees reportedly agreed to pay $370,000. Last fall, a management company that was investigated for more than 1,200 violations of Massachusetts child labor law violations reportedly agreed to pay $145,000.

Dunkin’ recently filed a lawsuit alleging the makers of Vapin’ Donuts electronic cigarettes infringe on its registered and highly distinctive Dunkin’ trademarks.

What do you think about the alleged Dunkin’ child labor law violations? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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