Further fines for McDonalds stores for illegally employing children
Issue Date: - Thursday, 20 December 2007
A further two McDonalds franchisees were fined a combined total of $46,900 after pleading guilty in the Perth Industrial Magistrate's Court today to breaches of Western Australia’s Children in Employment laws.
The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection prosecuted Klepeach Pty Ltd, which operates the McDonalds franchises in Spearwood and Thompsons Lake, and Kandoo Investments Pty Ltd, which operates the McDonalds franchises in Currambine Joondalup and Mindarie.
The department investigated separate complaints that the employers were allowing children aged under 15 to work outside the hours restricted by the Children and Community Services Act 2004.
Klepeach Pty Ltd was fined $33,200 for employing 21 children under the age of 15 years in 106 shifts of work outside the hours restricted by the Act, including finishing times up to 2.40am, and engaging 33 children without the written consent of their parents.
Kandoo Investments Pty Ltd was fined $13,700 for employing 12 children under the age of 15 years in 25 shifts of work outside the hours restricted by the Act and engaging 19 children without the written consent of their parents.
Under the CCS Act employers in the fast food industry are not permitted to employ children aged between 13 and 15 years in shifts of work that start prior to 6am or finish after 10pm.
Compliance and Education Director Ms Lorraine Field said: “These important laws protect the health, safety and welfare of children in our community, and today’s fines clearly indicate that the court will impose significant penalties against employers who breach these laws..”
“The department has now prosecuted 12 McDonalds’ stores for breaches of these laws," Ms Field said.
“It is disappointing that, despite providing McDonalds and its franchises with ongoing educative services since June 2006, such breaches are still occurring.”
Ms Field urged all employers that employ children to contact the department’s free Wageline service on 1300 655 266 to ensure that they are aware of their obligations under the Act and avoid the possibility of breaching the law.
The prosecution of Matanza Pty Ltd, which operates Eagle Boys Karratha, for allegedly employing four children under the age of 13 years contrary to the Act was adjourned to 17 January 2008.