An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has uncovered serious child labor violations at The Outpost, a pizza restaurant in Iron River, Michigan. Northern News Now reports that the business now faces fines totaling $97,933 after employing minors as young as 14 in roles prohibited for their age, including tasks like heavy lifting, handling sharp kitchen tools, and cooking over open flames.
Young workers in harm’s way
According to the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division, The Outpost employed twelve minors, ages 14 and 15, in roles that placed them in direct contact with dangerous machinery, including commercial deep fryers, ovens, meat slicers, and grills. Federal child labor laws prohibit minors under 16 from using such equipment due to the risk of severe burns, cuts, and other injuries. These young employees were found working in the kitchen alongside adult staff, lifting heavy items, operating sharp tools, and performing other tasks posing significant physical dangers.
Thomas Gauza, district director of the Wage and Hour Division in Chicago states,
“Child labor laws exist to protect minors from dangerous conditions and ensure their safety in the workplace. Employers have a duty to ensure young workers are safe, not placed in harm’s way.”
The Outpost’s violations did not end with hazardous assignments. Investigators also found that these minors worked more than the legally allowed hours for their age group. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), minors aged 14 and 15 can work only outside school hours, for a limited number of hours each week. The Outpost reportedly scheduled young workers beyond these limits, exacerbating their risk of injury due to overwork and fatigue. The restaurant was subsequently fined $97,933 for breaching these laws.
Federal labor officials stress that such violations not only endanger children but also demonstrate a lack of corporate accountability and oversight.
According to the DOL,
“Ensuring employer compliance with child labor laws protects young workers from suffering potential injuries that can harm their futures and cause undue hardships for their families.”
The Outpost’s case is a stark example of the dangers faced by young workers and the need for stringent protections. As Gauza stated,
“We must hold employers accountable and prioritize the well-being of our youngest and most vulnerable workers.”
Freedom United’s campaign against child exploitation
This case is part of a larger trend of increasing child labor violations across the U.S., often driven by workforce shortages in industries like food service and manufacturing. Freedom United is campaigning to protect young workers from exploitation and prevent employers from placing minors in hazardous roles by mobilizing public support and calling on lawmakers to strengthen child labor laws nationwide.
We urgently need reform and broader public awareness to protect the rights and safety of minors in the workforce. Take action today to ensure that no minor is exploited or endangered in pursuit of profit.
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