BOISE, IDAHO (CBS2) — The Nampa-based Ice Cream manufacturer Stella’s Ice Cream faces $321,015 in fines.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an investigation found that four of its Idaho retail locations put the safety of dozens of children at risk by employing them to perform dangerous tasks and making them work later than the law allows.
Investigators found the Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, and Nampa locations employed children to operate industrial mixers, drive a delivery van, and work during times not allowed by the law.
The investigation found Stella’s Ice Cream employed workers between the ages of 14 and 15 to work past 10:30 p.m. Federal regulations do not allow workers of that age to work past 7 p.m. The only exception would be from June 1st through Labor Day when hours are extended to 9 p.m.
In addition, workers between the ages of 14 and 15 may not work more than 18 hours weekly when school is in session.
The investigation also found that the company shared tips with managers and supervisors, a violation of federal regulations. The FLSA does not permit managers and supervisors to be included in a tip pool. This led to the recovery of $79,463 in back wages for tipped workers.