U.S. Department of Labor issued the following announcement on Dec. 31.
After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (the Department’s) Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Aquatic Management of Houston Inc., located in Houston, Texas has paid $22,236 in civil money penalties to resolve child labor violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
WHD investigators found that Aquatic Management of Houston employed 67 15-year-old minors to work more hours each day than the law allows, and during times prohibited for that age group. Affected employees worked more than three hours on days when school was in session and more than eight hours on days when school was not in session. The employer also allowed them to work past 7:00 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1, and after 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day, which is also prohibited.
“Federal employment standards for young workers ensure that American youth gain a positive work experience that does not interfere with their education, health and well-being,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Robin Mallett in Houston, Texas. “Employers can avoid child labor violations when they understand the rules and familiarize key business personnel about such rules prior to hiring minors.”
Aquatic Management of Houston Inc. is one of 16 swimming pool management companies owned by parent company The Pool Management Group.