They Were Fined Over $1M for Exploiting Kids—Now Dunkin’ and Other Chains Are Getting Sued Again

This week, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has announced over $226,000 in penalties against the operators of more than 88 fast food franchise locations across the state for violating child labor laws. The latest round of fines targets franchisees of Dunkin’, McDonald’s, and Subway for employing minors in unsafe or unlawful conditions.

These cases serve as a reminder that even seemingly small violations of labor laws can have a big impact—especially when they affect young, often vulnerable, workers just beginning their careers.

And this isn’t the first time the state has taken action. It’s part of a growing trend of enforcement that includes previous penalties in November 2024 against operators of Burger King and Popeyes locations in Massachusetts. Together, these efforts underscore a clear message: Massachusetts is serious about protecting its youngest workers.

The Most Recent Violations: Dunkin’, McDonald’s, and Subway

The most recent citations were issued to three companies:

• Cafua Management Company, LLC – Operates over 80 Dunkin’ locations statewide. Fined $140,000.
• The Brewster Company, LLC – Runs 8 McDonald’s locations. Fined $63,930.
• Knight Food Service, Inc. – Owns multiple Subway locations. Fined $22,455.

Common violations included:

• Employing minors without work permits
• Scheduling 16- and 17-year-olds beyond the nine-hour daily limit
• Having minors work unsupervised after 8 p.m.
• In Subway’s case, failing to provide required meal breaks and failing to maintain proper payroll records

Under Massachusetts law, minors aged 16 and 17 can work no more than nine hours a day, six days a week, and 48 hours per week. Any deviation from these limits, especially without proper documentation or adult supervision, is considered a violation of state labor law.

Attorney General Campbell emphasized that these laws are designed not only to protect young workers physically, but also to safeguard their education and development. “Our child labor laws exist to protect young workers and prioritize their safety and education,” Campbell said. “Massachusetts is serious about protecting its workforce.”

This Isn’t New: Past Violations at Burger King and Popeyes

These latest fines follow similar enforcement actions in recent years, showing a concerning pattern among certain fast food operators.

In March 2025, AG Campbell’s office issued more than $2 million in citations against Northeast Foods LLC, the company behind dozens of Burger King franchises across Massachusetts. The violations ranged from:

• Failing to pay minimum wage
• Late or missing paychecks
• Scheduling minors for prohibited hours
• Lack of earned sick time policies
• Refusing to provide payroll records to investigators

This wasn’t Northeast Foods’ first brush with the law. The company had already been cited in 2017 and 2022 for child labor violations, and again in 2019 for failing to maintain a legal sick leave policy.

Also earlier this year, the AGO reached a $212,516 settlement with New Jersey-based operators of 19 Popeyes franchises. Like the other cases, these franchisees were accused of:

• Scheduling minors during prohibited hours
• Exceeding daily and weekly work hour limits
• Failing to allow workers to use earned sick time

The Popeyes settlement also included restitution to impacted workers, reinforcing the AGO’s commitment to not just penalize wrongdoing, but also make things right for those affected.

The Bigger Picture: Ongoing Enforcement and Youth Protection

These enforcement actions are part of a broader labor strategy rolled out by AG Campbell since she took office in 2023. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has already issued over $4.9 million in child labor citations, affecting more than 22,300 young workers.

This effort aligns with Campbell’s broader push to advance youth economic opportunity and safeguard the rights of all workers, especially those new to the labor market. In her Labor Day Report, the AGO highlighted more than $31.5 million in restitution and penalties assessed in a single fiscal year. And in honor of the 10th anniversary of the office’s Healthy Summer Youth Jobs Program, the AGO spotlighted over $4 million in child-labor-related penalties and restitution secured during her administration alone.

Why It Matters

These aren’t just bureaucratic details or red tape. When minors are overworked, underpaid, or left unsupervised in a busy fast food kitchen, the consequences can be very real—both for their physical safety and their long-term well-being. Many young workers balance school, family responsibilities, and jobs. Excessive hours or unsafe conditions can derail that balance.

The franchise model used by most fast food chains can also complicate accountability. While the big brand names—like Dunkin’, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Popeyes—are familiar, it’s often smaller, local operators who run the actual stores. This can sometimes lead to inconsistent compliance with labor laws, depending on the management practices of each operator.

What Young Workers and Families Should Know

If you’re a young worker, a parent, or even an employer, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Work permits are required for anyone under 18.
• Know your hours: Teens 16–17 can’t work more than 9 hours/day or 48 hours/week.
• Supervision matters: No minor should be working alone after 8 p.m.
• Meal breaks are mandatory for shifts longer than 6 hours.
• Workers have the right to earned sick time—1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

If you’re experiencing or witnessing violations, don’t stay silent. The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division is here to help. You can file a complaint online at mass.gov/ago/fld, or call the Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465. Help is available in multiple languages.

Final Thoughts

Massachusetts has been clear: protecting young workers is a top priority. These latest fines, combined with past enforcement actions, show a consistent, serious approach to labor rights.

For employers, this is a wake-up call to get compliant—and stay that way. For workers, especially those just starting out, it’s a reminder that your rights matter, and there are strong systems in place to protect you.

Whether it’s a summer job at a fast food joint or a part-time gig after school, work should be safe, legal, and fair—especially when it’s your first step into the workforce.

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