The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has assessed a total of $277,475 in civil penalties against three movie theatre companies, Marcus Theatre Corp., Regal Cinemas Inc. and Wehrenberg Inc., for allowing dozens of teens to perform hazardous jobs and work longer hours than allowed by the youth employment provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
DOL discovered approximately 160 minors were being required to perform hazardous jobs -- such as operating paper balers and trash compactors, operating motor vehicles, using power driven mixers and baking -- in theatres owned by the three chains. Marcus Theatre Corp. also allowed youth to work beyond permitted hours.
The 27 theatres where the minors were employed are in nine states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina and Wisconsin.
"The penalties imposed as a result of these violations should serve as a wake-up call to movie theatre owners and other employers," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Businesses that employ minors are legally and ethically obligated to abide by child labor standards and ensure youth are protected on the job."
In addition to paying civil money penalties, the companies agreed to implement comprehensive internal compliance and training programs. They also will assist the Wage and Hour Division in promoting industry-wide compliance. For example, Regal Cinemas is showing a child labor public service announcement on workplace safety at all 458 of its digital cinema locations in 39 states.
