A Las Vegas area pizza chain has been hit with heavy fines after federal officials accused it of illegally employing minors. Bryz Guyz Inc., the operator of 10 Blaze Fast Fire'd Pizza locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, is facing scrutiny for having children between the ages of 15 to 17 perform tasks deemed too hazardous for their age group, such as operating industrial pizza dough mixers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the company was not only employing 23 underage workers but also had five 15-year-olds working longer hours than permitted on school days, sometimes as late as 10:30 p.m. These practices are a clear violation of the Fair Labor Standard Act, which restricts 14- and 15-year-olds to a maximum of three hours on school days, and bars employment past 7 p.m. from the day after Labor Day through May 31. "The Fair Labor Standards Act allows these important work experiences but ensures that when children work, they are employed in a manner that promotes their health, safety and educational opportunities." Gene Ramos, district director of the Wage and Hour Division, said in a statement, as reported by News3LV.
The Labor Department's findings have resulted in Bryz Guyz Inc. being fined over $277,000 in civil penalties for these violations. The investigation revealed that beyond the initial 23 minors, an additional five kids were found to have been employed illegally, bringing the total to 28 minors working in conditions breach of the established laws.
This development comes in the wake of increased attention on youth labor laws and the safety of young workers in the industry. Companies are under a legal mandate to ensure that employment opportunities for youngsters do not compromise their education or wellbeing. “Learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up but we must protect children and ensure their first jobs are safe and do not interfere with their education or well-being,” Ramos pointed out on News3LV, underscoring the importance of balancing work and the healthy development of minors, according to the release by ReviewJournal.com. The case is indicative of broader challenges in safeguarding adolescent laborers and ensuring that labor laws are adequately enforced. More information is expected to surface as the case continues to unfold.
