In the October 2023 installment of The Learned Concierge, legal insights pertaining to the Retail, Hospitality, and Food & Beverage Industries are explored. This month’s focus shifts towards areas of labor and employment, specifically addressing concerns related to child labor compliance and the termed “Hot Goods”.
Contrary to the prevailing belief that child labor abuses are largely a problem in countries outside the U.S., domestic employers also stand at risk of committing violations. Data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) unveils a disquieting trend. In its investigations, the WHD found that 835 employers violated child labor laws, affecting over 3,800 children. The details and possible ramifications of these infractions are yet to be reported.
The term “hot goods” refers to goods produced in violation of labor laws—specifically, the Fair Labor Standards Act. These goods are prohibited from being shipped, offering a potential pitfall for unknowing companies in the Retail, Hospitality, and Food & Beverage Industries. Navigating these issues require a comprehensive understanding of labor laws and stringent adherence to established compliance measures.
Stay tuned for a focus on these subjects in future editions of the Learned Concierge. Legal professionals and corporations alike can find immense value in understanding the evolving legal landscape and implementing informed practices to limit potential liabilities.