The owners of several Panera Bread cafes in the Orlando area are facing serious legal trouble after being fined nearly $600,000 for violating child labor laws.
A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found that these Panera franchisees allowed more than 100 teenagers, some as young as 15, to work hours and perform duties that are not legally allowed for their age group.
According to federal officials, the teens were made to work too many hours on school nights, during school hours, and even in hazardous conditions. In some cases, the young workers were using dangerous equipment, like baking ovens, which are banned for workers under 16.
Some minors were reportedly scheduled to work as late as 11 p.m. on school nights, which is a direct violation of federal labor law.
The investigation focused on 38 Panera Bread locations in central Florida, all operated by the same franchise group.
Altogether, 102 minor-aged employees were affected. The Department of Labor described the working conditions as “oppressive” and said the employers repeatedly ignored the rules meant to protect young workers.
The fine of $603,049 was issued to the operators, HZ Ops Holdings, which runs the group of Panera stores in the region. Officials said these penalties include both civil fines for violating child labor laws and back wages owed to employees. They also stated that this case should serve as a warning to other employers who fail to follow youth labor regulations.
This isn’t the first time Panera Bread franchisees have been in the spotlight. Just last year, the company came under fire for overworking employees and facing multiple lawsuits.
The latest child labor case adds more pressure on the popular cafe chain and raises concerns about labor practices at other fast-food and bakery chains across the country.
The Department of Labor has been cracking down on child labor law violations in the U.S., especially with rising reports of minors being pushed into unsafe or overworked conditions.
Officials say they will continue investigating companies that don’t follow the rules and ensure young workers are treated fairly and safely.
For now, the Florida Panera Bread operators are being held accountable with one of the largest fines ever issued in the region for child labor violations.