The U.S. Department of Labor orders El Mazatlan Inc. to pay penalties for violating child labor laws

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – Glasgow-based restaurant chain El Mazatlan Inc. is ordered to pay a $250,000 fine for violating federal child labor laws.

The U.S. Department of Labor investigated the company and found that it employed a 13-year-old under the legal working age and 37 other teenagers ages 14 and 15 who worked more hours than allowed by law.

According to the press release, El Mazatlan also agreed to future compliance, creation and updating of child labor training materials in its management training program.

“Learning new skills in the world of work is an important part of growing up – but we must protect children and ensure that their first jobs do not impact their education or well-being,” said Karen Garnett-Civils, district director of the Wage and Hour Division, in an interview press release. “The Fair Labor Standards Act provides developmental experiences but limits the hours and employment of workers under 16 years of age and imposes penalties if employers do not comply with the law.”

In addition to the child labor violations, the Wage and Hour Division found that El Mazatlan had illegally deducted the cost of uniforms from waiters’ wages, causing their wages to fall below the federal minimum wage.

The employer also failed to pay overtime to three employees who were not exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirements.

Following the investigation, the department recovered $50,233 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages for 168 employees.

“We have determined that El Mazatlan is responsible for significant penalties as well as back wages and compensatory damages totaling more than $350,000,” Garnett-Civils said in a news release. “The Wage and Hour Division is committed to protecting the rights of employees and holding employers accountable when they do not pay their employees in accordance with the law.”

The company was also required to take steps to ensure future compliance with federal child labor laws.

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