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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202-219-8211
A large, regional discount store chain cited by the U.S. Labor
Department for illegally exposing young workers to workplace hazards has agreed
to implement a child labor compliance program and pay civil money penalties of
$74,250.
Caldor, Incorporated, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, was cited
by the department's Wage and Hour Division with violating federal child labor
provisions at 16 of 27 stores investigated in New York state.
"Part-time jobs can provide invaluable work experience for our young
people, but no job should come at the expense of their safety," said Secretary
of Labor Alexis M. Herman. "I am determined to see that the nation's child
labor laws, designed to protect young workers, are followed."
Caldor was cited for 40 instances of using underage workers - some as
young as 15--to operate scrap-paper balers. Five of the stores had been
previously cited for the same violation.
The Fair Labor Standards Act sets a minimum age of 18 for youth to work
in any nonagricultural occupations declared by the department to be hazardous
or detrimental to their health and well-being. Over the years, the department
has issued 17 hazardous occupations orders. One of these orders prohibits
minors under 18 from operating or unloading power-driven paper balers and
compactors. The order does allow 16- and 17-year-old workers to load these
machines as long as certain requirements are met.
After being cited for the violations, the firm worked with the
department to develop a compliance program that requires its stores to: advise
all newly hired employees regarding the limitations on minors operating
scrap-paper balers; place posters and baler warning signs near time clocks and
in other locations; and have minors wear special name badges to designate their
age group, as well as other measures.
"I applaud Caldor for taking these extra steps to help ensure the safety
of our young people while at the same time giving them employment
opportunities. We will continue to encourage other companies follow the example
of Caldor to institute similar policies," said Herman.
A Department of Labor administrative law judge has issued consent
findings and an order incorporating the provisions of Caldor's compliance
program and requiring the company to pay the civil money penalty that the
company has already agreed to pay upon the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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