In a move ensuring that young workers are safeguarded, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced a settlement with Shake Shack Enterprises LLC over allegations of child labor law infringements. According to the official Massachusetts government news site, the popular burger chain is set to fork over $244,500 in penalties after failing to obtain valid work permits for minors and scheduling them beyond legally permissible hours.
The investigation, initiated by a complaint from a Woburn Shake Shack location, uncovered violations affecting over 200 young employees across twelve locations. Despite these legal issues, Shake Shack cooperated with authorities and took steps to adjust its employment practices to better support its young workforce. In a statement from the Massachusetts government, AG Campbell noted, "Our child labor laws protect vulnerable young people as they embark on jobs to learn skills, give back to their communities, and earn their own money."
Shake Shack's settlement includes a hefty side of $122,250 in civil penalties, with an equivalent amount directed to a state fund dedicated to improving youth employment opportunities. Assistant Attorney General Amy Goyer and Investigator Kimberly Lampereur of the AGO’s Fair Labor Division, the chefs behind the enforcement action, have whipped up necessary steps to ensure the company's future compliance. This is not Shake Shack's first time in the fryer for similar practices; in 2019, the company entered into a settlement related to child labor law violations and was grilled with a $90,000 penalty.
The Commonwealth's commitment to its youth goes beyond legal enforcement, with programs like the Healthy Summer Youth Jobs initiative fostering opportunity and empowerment. AG Campbell's recent remarks, amid discussions of the settlement, highlighted the collection of over $4 million in child-labor-related restitutions and penalties. These funds support health-focused jobs that help young people gain valuable experience and responsibility. Workers in Massachusetts who feel their workplace rights have been violated are encouraged to file a complaint with the AGO’s Fair Labor Division.
