Baskin Robbins has more than 7,600 units worldwide.
An operator of eight Baskin Robbins stores in Utah allegedly violated federal child labor laws, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The department fined Jode LLC, led by Justin Odekirk, $49,833 in penalties.
The franchisee allegedly allowed 64 14- and 15-year-olds to work outside of legal hours at the eight stores. These employees reportedly worked too late in the day or too many hours in a week during the school year, according to the Department of Labor.
The Utah locations are in Salt Lake City, West Jordan, American Fork, Clearfield, Bountiful, West Valley and Clearfield.
According to the department, the franchisee said they referred to “erroneous legal guidance” about following state guidelines, which are apparently less restrictive, and not abiding by federal laws.
Baskin-Robbins did not immediately respond to request for comment, but Franchise Times will update this story if comments are received.
“Employers must be aware of, and comply with, all federal labor standards, particularly when it comes to young workers,” Wage and Hour District Director Kevin Hunt said in a statement. “Where a disparity exists between federal and state laws, employers must adhere to the most stringent standards. We encourage employers and employees to contact our office directly to get accurate information pertaining to federal labor laws and avoid an unfortunate situation like this one.”
Other Franchisee Violate Child Labor Laws
A four-unit Jersey Mike’s franchisee agreed to pay $108,000 for allowing 14 employees under 16 years old to use power-driven meat slicers and work longer-than-allowed hours. JM Burke LLC operates Jersey Mike’s stores in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.
In Utah Utah, the Department of Labor fined a three-unit Cold Stone franchisee $42,714 for child labor violations in January.
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor fined a 21-unit Wendy’s franchisee $300,000 for 766 Child Labor Act violations that reportedly occurred in 2023.
Related: Child Labor Violations Call Responsibility into Question
A 14-unit Subway franchisee was accused last year of violating child labor laws in California. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division obtained a preliminary injunction against the franchisees, John Meza and his wife, Jessica, in May.
The court filed its judgment and permanent injunction September 27. The judgment states the Mezas must pay 184 workers $475,000 in wages, another $475,000 in liquidated damages, $12,000 in punitive damages for “retaliatory conduct” and $150,000 in penalties. Hamza Ayesh, MZS Enterprises LLC and Crave Brands LLC are also named defendants. The LLCs are owned by the Mezas, according to the filing.
A McDonald’s franchisee, Bauer Foods LLC, was fined in May for employing two 10-year-old children in Kentucky, among other charges. McDonald’s issued a statement to Franchise Times stating that Bauer Foods didn’t authorize the children to work, and that they were those of the restaurant’s night manager.