The Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Atmore, Inc. in Alabama has paid $15,000
in penalties after the Department of Labor accused the company of violating
the youth employment provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
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Download NowWage and Hour Division investigators said they found nine minors employed at
the company's warehouse facility, a Pepsi-Cola franchise operation. Investigators
said they found that 15- and 16-year-olds were allowed to operate motor vehicles
and forklift trucks at the plant in violation of the hazardous occupations orders
of the FLSA.
These orders also prohibit 15-year-olds from working in warehouses. The investigation
found five 15-year-old workers employed at the Atmore facility. These minors
allegedly worked more than three hours a day, after 7:00 p.m., and more than
18 hours per week while school was in session, in violation of child labor laws.
The department says the company cooperated with the Wage and Hour Division and
has agreed to comply with FLSA provisions in the future.