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Wendy's, Fazoli’s restaurants in 9 states violated child labor laws, officials say

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A franchisee of 99 Wendy's and Fazoli's restaurants with locations in nine states will pay a civil penalty of $157,114 after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation uncovered several child labor law violations.

Manna Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, violated child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, according to a news release.

Investigators determined franchisee Manna violated child labor requirements by allowing 14- and 15-year-old employees to work outside of legally approved hours and for more hours than allowed by law, the Department of Labor says. Investigators found 446 minors worked before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on school nights, worked more than three hours on a school day or worked more than eight hours on a non-school day — all FLSA violations.

"Child labor laws exist to ensure that when young people work, the work does not jeopardize their health and well-being or educational opportunities," Wage and Hour Division District Director Karen Garnett-Civils said in a news release. "We encourage all employers to review their employment obligations and to contact the Wage and Hour Division for compliance assistance."

The violations were found at Wendy's and Fazoli's restaurants in Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

You can see all the locations of the restaurants below or by clicking here.