Myrtle Beach Ben & Jerry’s stores fined thousands in child labor, wage law violations
A federal investigation will force six Myrtle Beach Ben & Jerry’s locations to cough up $16,250 in back-pay for failure to pay overtime to 61 employees, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Labor
Investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor found that Bryers of MB Inc. and Rowland Dairies Inc. — the operators of the six Myrtle Beach Ben & Jerry’s locations — failed to pay overtime when their employees worked more than 40 hours a week.
The franchises were also hit with a $5,110 fine for child labor law violations for allowing two 12-year-olds to operate snow cone stands. The investigation also found that the employers didn’t keep accurate records of the dates of birth of workers who were minors.
“Employers must ensure they pay workers all the wages they have earned, including overtime, and must pay special attention to the rules about minor employees,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Jamie Benefiel, in Columbia, South Carolina, in the news release.
“The Wage and Hour Division is committed to keeping young employees safe in the workplace. This case should serve as notice to other employers who may employ minors in similar conditions to ensure they comply, and to ensure they pay all workers their rightful wages.”
A phone number listed online for Rowland Dairies Inc. had been disconnected.
This story was originally published February 19, 2021 at 3:00 PM.
