AG: Dunkin’ stores in Millbury, Worcester, Westborough, Grafton cited for child labor violations
Photo | Courtesy of State House News Service
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell
The franchise operators of nearly 80 Dunkin' locations, including in four communities in Central Massachusetts have been cited by the Massachusetts Attorney General for allegedly violating child labor laws.
The Dunkin’ locations were part of an announcement Tuesday from the attorney general that also included locations for McDonald’s and Subway locations throughout the state.
The office of AG Andrea Joy Campbell cited Methuen-based Cafua Management Co., The Brewster Co., and Knight Food Service in Brockton for a combined total of $226,385 for alleged violations including failing to obtain work permits, employing minors to work hours in excess of the state’s limit, and breaching wage and hour laws, according to a Tuesday press release from the office.
Cafua Management Company, a Dunkin’ franchise company, was issued $140,000 as part of a settlement reached with the AG’s office for violations including neglecting to obtain work permits or minors prior to their employment, allowing minors to work prohibited hours, employing minors past the state’s nine-hour daily maximum for employees ages 16 and 17, and employing minors to work without immediate adult supervision past 8 p.m. The alleged violations occurred between February 2020 and February 2023.
The franchise operates 80 Dunkin’ throughout the state including locations in Millbury, Worcester, Westborough, and Grafton.
McDonald's franchise firm The Brewster Co. was handed a $63,930 penalty as part of its settlement, also for failing to secure permits before employing minors, allowing minors to work prohibited hours, and employing minors 16 or 17 to work past the state’s nine-hour limit. The alleged violations occurred between May 2021 and May 2024.
Brewster operates eight McDonald’s locations throughout the state, though none in Central Massachusetts.
Lastly, the AG’s office levied Subway franchise company Knight Food Service with a $22,455 citation. The AGO found the company similarly failed to obtain permits prior to employment, worked employees longer than the nine-hour maximum, and failed to provide immediate adult supervision after 8 p.m. in addition to neglecting to provide meal breaks for minors working more than six hours a day. The alleged violations occurred between February 2023 and August 2024.
Knight Food Service operates a number of Subway locations throughout Massachusetts, including one in Brockton where Campbell found violation.
“Our child labor laws exist to protect young workers and prioritize their safety and education as they learn new skills, earn income, and contribute to their communities,” Campbell said in the release. “My office will continue to enforce these laws to empower our youth and remind employers that Massachusetts is serious about protecting its workforce.”
Since assuming office in January 2023, Campbell has issued more than $4.9 million in citations for child labor law infringements.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
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