SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Federal regulators have announced that 38 businesses, many in the West Michigan and Kalamazoo area, are guilty of allegedly violating wage and child labor laws.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found violations after investigating area manufacturing plants and fast-food restaurants. Many of the businesses were located in the area including in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Holland.
A report released by the departments says that more than 100 minors, all 14- and 15-years-old, were employed outside permissible work hours which is a violation of The Fair Labor Standards Act.
Additionally 30 minors within the same age cohort were performing jobs that federal and state guidelines explicitly prohibit them from doing. Investigators also found teenagers operating dangerous machinery including hoists, meat slicers, vertical dough mixers, and trash compactors, and making time-sensitive food deliveries.
The department also found more than $33,000 in back wages and liquidated damages owed by employers to about 113 employees for minimum wage and overtime violations.
Wage and Hour District Director Mary O’Rourke, in Grand Rapids, Michigan said, “Education and enforcement initiatives help the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to collaborate with an industry, determine the root causes of violations, and provide assistance to employers – while protecting vulnerable minor employees while they gain valuable work experience.”
More than $94,000 in civil penalties have been assessed against the businesses involved in the investigation.
Those who would like to learn more information about labor standards can contact a toll-free helpline 866-487-9243 and report incidents of standard violations through The Department of Labor’s P.A.I.D. Program.
