CVS Caremark Corp. fined for violations in child labor laws

CVS Caremark Corp. has been fined more than $226,000 after an investigation found dozens of stores changed employee timecards and violated child labor laws. Violations were found at 43 stores, including stores in New Jersey. CVS was accused of allowing 78 underage workers to do hazardous work with cardboard compactors and balers and allowing seven 15-year-olds to work longer or later than the law allows. CVS/pharmacy issued the following statement: CVS/pharmacy has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor in regard to wage violations and workplace violations involving teenage employees found to be operating certain equipment against established company policy. The employees were found to have loaded, unloaded, or operated a paper baler in violation of company policy and without permission to do so. None of the employees were injured during the course of these unapproved activities.

The settlement agreement includes implementation of manager training during manager orientation; training of minors in regard to these work limitations and provision of information to parents of minors upon hire; and posting stickers, restricting keys, and prohibiting minors from entering areas that have restricted equipment over which CVS/pharmacy does not have control.

Although CVS/pharmacy disputes the findings of the investigations concerning payment of wages, the decision was made to pay 51 employees back wages that in most instances ranged from $39 to $300. CVS/pharmacy has a policy of paying for all time worked, including payment in accordance with federal requirements for time worked over 40 hours in a single work week, and takes timely action to correct any errors. The company also provides a mechanism for employees to timely report any payroll concerns or questions."

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