BUSINESS + ECONOMY

Legal expert weighs in on Crumbl Cookies’ violation of child labor laws

Dec 20, 2022, 9:30 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:17 am

greg skordas...

KSL legal anaylst Greg Skordas discusses the fallout of the Department of Labor announcing Crumbl Cookies has violated child labor laws. File: Greg Skordas

SALT LAKE CITY — A federal investigation announced Tuesday that those who run Crumbl Cookies have violated child labor laws.

The Department of Labor fined the company more than $50,000 for allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work more than they are legally allowed. The Department of Labor found violations at 11 stores, including four in Utah. 

KSL NewsRadio’s legal analyst Greg Skordas joined Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News on Tuesday afternoon to explain what this means.

Skordas says individuals who are of the age of 14 and 15 are not allowed to work more than 40 hours a week. Additionally, Skordas also says those individuals are not allowed to work during school hours.

Caplan asked if this is common practice?

“It was certainly more than I realized,” Skordas said. “When I started looking at the United States and the state work regulations, we’re talking about people that are under 16 in some cases. Utah law even defines work conditions for people as young as 10 years old. So, it must be more common than most people realize.”

Could Crumbl Cookies dispute the fine?

Skordas says the Crumbl Cookies could appeal the fine. But he doesn’t think that will happen.

“I would think a company that big would probably not want to spend the time, and money and attorney fees to fight,” he said. “I mean if it was a five million dollar fine that’s one thing.”

He expects Crumbl Cookies to work out an arrangement with the Department of Labor to pay the fine.

Skordas also points out the company isn’t necessarily at fault here.

“It’s not necessary the company itself,” he said. “But it seems like it could have been some of their franchises. Some of the individuals that were working and running some of these Crumbl stores, maybe not the company itself.”

Skordas says the fine should serve as a wake-up call to all businesses.

“I think this is a wake-up call,” he said. “Even the slap on the wrist has got to be embarrassing to the company itself.”

 

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Business + Economy

Shopping carts are parked outside a Home Depot in Philadelphia...

MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

Home Depot buying supplier to professional contractors in a deal valued at about $18.25 billion

Home Depot will buy SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion.

6 hours ago

Four cats relaxing on chairs and a cat tree at Fawn's Family Rescue...

Heather Peterson

Fawn’s Family Rescue provides lounge to relax with adoptable cats

Fawn's Family Rescue recently opened its doors in Bountiful. The new cat lounge provides a comfortable way for people to hang out with feline friends.

16 hours ago

The Powder Baby Dry Shampoo team poses with its check after winning the 2024 Utah Entrepreneur Chal...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.COM

BYU student startup wins $30K at Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

BYU entrepreneur Kylee Black, who founded Powder Baby, said the cash prize will be instrumental in advancing her business.

20 hours ago

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

22 hours ago

1040 form shown, tax refund season is here...

Sam Herrera

Should you spend or save your tax refund?

Filing your taxes can be a headache but figuring out how to spend your tax refund might be a headache in its own right.

1 day ago

Single-family homes under construction in Saratoga Springs are pictured on Tuesday, July 19, 2022....

Adam Small

2023 saw far fewer building permits in Utah, report says

The Ogden-Clearfield metro area had the biggest percentage decline in building permits year-over-year, nose-diving by 34%.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Legal expert weighs in on Crumbl Cookies’ violation of child labor laws