McDonald's franchisees fined for employing minors

More than 300 minors — including two 10-year-olds who were unpaid — were found to be working in violation of federal labor laws at McDonald's franchise restaurants across Kentucky and other states, US' CBNC reported citing the country's labor department on Wednesday.

The franchisees in total face over $200,000 in estimated civil money penalties.

The department's Wage and Hour Division determined three separate franchisees operating 62 McDonald's locations across Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and Ohio violated federal labor laws by employing 305 children to work more than the legally permitted hours, as well as perform tasks illegal for young workers. Of the 62 restaurants, 45 were in Kentucky, according to department data.

"These reports are unacceptable, deeply troubling and run afoul of the high expectations we have for the entire McDonald's brand," Tiffanie Boyd, senior vice president and chief people officer at McDonald's USA said.

"It is not lost on us the significant responsibility we carry to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone under the Arches."

The news comes as Republican lawmakers have targeted child labor laws nationwide. This week, GOP state lawmakers in Wisconsin circulated a bill that would allow 14-year-old workers to serve alcohol in bars and restaurants. Republican-led bills have also been pushed in states like Arkansas, Iowa and Ohio that would make it easier for teenagers to work longer hours and more jobs.

Labor Department investigators discovered two 10-year-olds working unpaid as late as 2 am at a McDonald's location in Louisville, Kentucky, operated by Louisville-based Bauer Food LLC, according to a Tuesday release.