Chipotle, a fast-casual restaurant, will have to pay over $300,000 after an investigation initiated by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) revealed violations of child labour laws in the District of Columbia (DC).
Attorney General Brian L Schwalb on Monday revealed that Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc, which has 20 locations in Washington, DC, will pay the District $322,400 in order to satisfy claims that it violated the child labour laws of the city, as well as adopt a new, extensive training and workplace compliance programme.
The Office of the Attorney General launched the probe in May after reviewing reports of similar violations by Chipotle in other states, according to CBS News’ affiliate, WUSA.
Child labour laws in DC safeguard minor employees’ work hours by forbidding employers from making them work past 10pm, for more than eight hours each day, for more than six days straight, or for more than 48 hours each week.
At DC Chipotle, the OAG found more than 800 instances of possible child labour law infractions in the span of the last three years.
The OAG stated in a news release: “We applaud young people who take the initiative to work in addition to going to school. But the law limits the hours they can work to ensure they are healthy, well-rested, and able to fulfil their responsibilities as students and to their families.
“Our investigation examined whether Chipotle violated laws intended to protect our children, and today’s outcome continues the Office of the Attorney General’s proven track record of enforcing DC’s labour protections to the fullest extent of the law.
“We will put this settlement to good use by helping connect District youth with apprenticeships and workforce training opportunities, building on our efforts to ensure that all young people in the District have the chance to thrive and succeed.”
After the investigation, it was revealed that Chipotle must pay $322,400 to the District for violating child labour laws.
To ensure future compliance, new policies and procedures must be implemented, and all restaurant managers and supervisors must receive formal training on child labour laws within six months of hire or promotion.
Additionally, store managers must also personally review child labour laws with newly hired minor employees at onboarding.