Walt's Food Centers fined $55K for child labor violations

December 3, 2009 Walt's Food Centers in Tinley Park, Frankfort, Crete, South Holland, Homewood, and Dyer, Ind., was cited for allowing 22 employees under 18 to operate balers, and allowing one minor under 16 to work beyond the permitted times and hours, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The actions, which occurred over a two-year period, are violations of Fair Labor Standards Act.

A consent judgment filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago orders the $55,000 civil penalty and orders the firm to stop future child labor violations, the release said. The grocery company, which started in South Holland in 1937, operates a total of seven stores in the area.