US McDonald’s franchisees fined for making children work excessive hours

‘Permitting young workers to work excessive hours can jeopardize their safety, wellbeing and education,’ the labor department said. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

The owners of several McDonald’s restaurants in Pennsylvania have been accused of violating child labor laws, with more than 100 children allegedly working excessive hours.

The US labor department announced on Monday that 13 McDonald’s locations in the Pittsburgh area had violated labor laws designed to protect young employees. An investigation found that 101 child employees had been working excessive hours outside allowable time periods.