Massachusetts

Burger King Franchisee Fined $250K for Child Labor Law Violations

A Burger King franchisee with 43 stores in Massachusetts will pay a $250,000 penalty after more than 800 child labor violations were found at stores across the state, according to the state's attorney general.

Northeast Foods, LLC, based out of Sugarland, Texas, and owner Shoukat Dhanani were cited for letting minors work too late, too many hours, or without proper permits, AG Maura Healey announced Tuesday.

The AG’s Fair Labor Division began investigating after it received a complaint that a minor employee was working too late at Tewksbury store.

Between January and May 2017, the AG’s office discovered 843 child labor law violations at nearly 30 Massachusetts stores. The state's child labor laws limit the kinds of work children can do and the hours they can work.

Northeast Foods agreed to pay the fine over the next year and has come into compliance with state law, according to officials.

"Many fast food employees are young, working their first jobs, and do not know their rights" Healey said in a statement. "It’s important that this major national Burger King franchisee, which employees a number of young people, complies with child labor laws and ensures that minors are safe in its restaurants." 

Contact Us