Crime
The burger chain was forcing minors to work more hours than legally allowed, AG Campbell said in a statement.
Shake Shack in Boston’s Seaport regularly offers takeout early on Friday evenings. Barry Chin / The Boston Globe, file
Attorney General Andrea Campbell has reached a settlement with fast food chain Shake Shack over child labor violations, Boston 25 News reported Tuesday.
The burger restaurant will pay a total of $244,500 for failing to obtain minors’ work permits, for scheduling minors to work prohibited hours and for scheduling minors beyond the maximum work week of 48 hours, depending on the station.
Massachusetts child labor laws state that 14- to 15-year-olds can work a maximum of 40 hours per week when school is not in session. 16-17 year olds can work a maximum of 48 hours during the summer.
Campbell’s office told Boston 25 News that more than 200 employees were affected at 12 different locations across the Commonwealth. The franchises involved were located in Andover, Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Everett, Hingham, Somerville, Watertown and Woburn, the release said.
According to Boston 25 News, of the $244,500 fine, half will cover penalties. The remaining half will go to a state fund dedicated to education and enforcement of Massachusetts labor laws.
In the report, Campbell said his office launched an investigation after receiving a complaint about the Shake Shack in Woburn. Boston 25 News said the site was scheduling minors beyond the legal hours limit. Campbell said the burger chain cooperated with the investigation.
“Our child labor laws protect vulnerable young people as they engage in employment to learn skills, give back to their communities and earn their own money,” Campbell said in the release.
Shake Shack did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the fines.
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