LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor have accused Blaze Pizza of employing dozens of children across 10 Las Vegas locations.
The operators of the 10 locations assessed were hit with $277,414 in civil penalties as a result of the investigation. The Dept. of Labor noted that the employed children were required to perform dangerous tasks and work more hours than allowed on school days.
Investigators found that Bryz Guyz Inc. willfully employed 23 children, ages 15 to 17, to operate industrial pizza dough mixers.
Additionally, five 15-year-olds were required to work more than three hours on school days, often working as late as 10:30 p.m. Federal law requires employers to limit the schedules of employees aged 14 and 15 to three hours on school days and prevents them from working after 7 p.m.
Based in Pasadena, California, Blaze Pizza has more than 340 franchise locations in 38 states and six countries. 12 of those locations are in Nevada, with 10 residing across Las Vegas and Henderson.
“Learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up but we must protect children and ensure their first jobs are safe and do not interfere with their education or well-being,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Gene Ramos in Las Vegas. “The Fair Labor Standards Act allows these important work experiences but ensures that when children work, they are employed in a manner that promotes their health, safety and educational opportunities.”
For more information about young workers’ rights and other employee rights enforced by the division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
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