Chipotle Mexican Grill has reached a six-figure settlement following an investigation in Washington, D.C., where more than 800 potential violations of the city’s child labor laws were identified over the past three years.
In the District of Columbia vs. Chipotle case, the investigation, which began in May 2022, found that since April 2020, Chipotle had been in breach of child labor laws, with employees under the age of 18 working excessive hours, including more than eight hours in a day, more than 48 hours in a week, and more than six consecutive days in a work week. Additionally, the popular restaurant chain allowed children to work past 10 p.m. local time. As part of the settlement, Chipotle will pay $322,400 to D.C. and implement a new training and workplace compliance plan.
Lessons learned from the case:
- Employers must adhere to child labor laws to ensure the well-being and safety of young workers. Violations can lead to legal consequences and financial penalties, as demonstrated in this case with Chipotle’s six-figure settlement.
- Government authorities play a crucial role in ensuring businesses follow labor laws. Periodic investigations and audits can help identify and rectify violations, preventing the exploitation of workers, especially minors.
- Companies can avoid legal issues and protect their employees by implementing effective training and compliance programs.
Learn more about District of Columbia (DC) Labor Laws through our detailed guide.
