Wisconsin officials are pursuing over $1 million in penalties from Cave Enterprises Operations LLC, an operator of 105 Burger King franchises, following a significant number of child labor and wage violations affecting minors throughout the state. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) reported that the company committed at least 1,656 violations of child labor and wage laws within a two-year span that concluded in January 2025.
This case marks the largest finding of child labor and wage violations in Wisconsin’s recent history, impacting over 600 minors. Notable violations include the employment of 593 minors aged 14 and 15 without the required child labor permits and 627 minors working shifts exceeding six hours without mandated meal breaks. Additionally, numerous minors under 16 years old were found to have worked outside permissible hours or beyond limits for school-age workers.
Governor Tony Evers emphasized the state’s obligation to safeguard minors in the workforce and criticized Republican lawmakers for what he characterized as weakened protections for young workers. He highlighted the state’s commitment to ensuring that children are not subjected to exploitative labor practices.
DWD’s Equal Rights Division initiated an investigation after noting 33 complaints regarding child labor and wage violations from 2020 to 2023. The agency’s determination mandates Cave Enterprises to pay $237,437.29 in unpaid wages while also facing potential civil penalties totaling up to $828,000. Should the company fail to comply within 20 days of the determination, enforcement actions may escalate through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Furthermore, state officials have required Cave Enterprises to comply immediately with Wisconsin’s employment laws regarding minors to avert further penalties.
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