Cranberry Company McDonald's Operators Violated Child Labor Laws

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — The U.S. Department of Labor has fined the operator of five Western Pennsylvania McDonald's franchises nearly $27,000 for violating federal child labor laws.

The civil penalty was levied against the Cranberry-based Endor Inc., owned by Paul and Meghan Sweeney, after department investigators found the company employed 34 14- and 15-year old children to work later and longer than permitted by law.

Endor operates two McDonald's franchises in Clarion and one each in Brookville, Punxsutawney and St. Mary's.

“Fast food restaurants offer young workers an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, but federal law makes sure their experiences do not come at the expense of their education or well-being,” John DuMont, the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division District director, said in a release.

“The Fair Labor Standards Act allows for developmental experiences but restricts the work hours of 14- and 15-year-olds and provides for penalties when employers do not follow the law.”

Investigators found that Endor permitted the teens to work:

• Before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1.
• During school hours.
• Later than 9 p.m. on days between June 1 and Labor Day.
• More than 3 hours on a school day and more than 18 hours during a regular school week.
• More than 8 hours on a non-school day.