Two Dunkin’ owners fined for child labor law violations after allegedly overworking teens
Two Dunkin’ franchisees will be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars after allegedly forcing teens to work longer hours than permitted without adult supervision.
Courtney Donuts LLC will be fined over $222,000 after employing teens without valid work permits, working them longer than nine hours and scheduling them before and after accepted work hours without an adult present, according to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The franchisee operates 20 Dunkin’ stores in towns such as Devens, Harvard, Groton, Shirley and Townsend.
Somerset Donut Express Inc. was also issued $150,000 in citations for similar violations at their locations in Somerset, Fall River and Dartmouth.
The AG’s Office began investigating Somerset Donut Express after receiving a complaint that minors were being mistreated. The ensuing investigation uncovered “over a thousand instances” of child labor law malpractice, according to the AG’s Office.
Over 20 citations have been issued since January 2022, most relating to child labor violations, and have totaled over half a million dollars in fines.
“Companies who employ young workers must comply with our child labor laws and provide a safe and fair environment for them,” said Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “My office remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of the state’s youngest workers, ensuring their rights are protected, and that companies are complying with the rules we have in place”
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