Crumbl Cookies, a bakery franchise with more than 600 locations in 47 states, is in trouble with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for allowing teen workers to operate ovens at 11 of its locations.
An investigation by the DOL Wage and Hour Division found 11 franchisees in six states – California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Utah and Washington – allowed teen workers to operate industrial ovens and other potentially hazardous bakery equipment.
Investigators also found the minor employees were allowed to work more hours than the law allows.
The division issued $57,854 in fines to resolve the child labor violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Child labor law violations increased in 2022
In 2022, the Wage and Hour Division found more than 3,800 minors employed in violation of child labor laws, an increase of 37% over 2021. Minors employed in violation of hazardous orders were up 26% in the same period, with a total of 688 minors found to be working in hazardous occupations.
The FLSA prohibits minors from operating motor vehicles, forklifts, trash compactors and other kinds of hazardous equipment.
More information on the FLSA and child labor laws can be found here.