HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A North Carolina Chick-fil-A franchise is facing fines after letting teenagers use hazardous machinery and paying workers with meals, a federal investigation found.
Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor announced Monday the Hendersonville store allowed three workers who were under 18 years old to operate, load, or unload a trash compactor, which are all violations of federal child labor regulations that prevent employing minors to perform hazardous jobs.
The store is being fined $6,000 and will have to pay some workers back.
The Wage and Division also found the Hendersonville Chick-fil-A paid employees who were asked to direct traffic to work for meal vouchers instead of a wage.
The civil penalties totaled $6,450. The store will have to pay $235 to seven employees in back wages.
In July, the same Chick-fil-A received backlash for advertising a volunteer opportunity where drive-thru workers would be paid with food instead of money.
“Protecting our youngest workers continues to be a top priority for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Richard Blaylock.
“Child labor laws ensure that when young people work, the work does not jeopardize their health, well-being or educational opportunities. In addition, employers are responsible to pay workers for all of the hours worked and the payment must be made in cash or legal tender.”
In August 2022, a Chick-fil-A in Tampa, Florida, paid over $12,000 in penalties after facing similar allegations.
(WATCH BELOW: NC labor commissioner will not run for reelection)
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