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REGION — A company that manages multiple Dunkin’ locations in the Merrimack Valley and Central Massachusetts is facing $145,000 in fines over state child labor law violations.
Concord-based Westford Group, Inc., and its president and treasurer, Michael and Brian Mariano are facing five citations across 14 Dunkin’ stores, including stores in Lowell, Leominster, Grafton, Worcester and Westborough. The group does not operate any of the five locations in Westford.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the company was cited for over 1,200 violations over the course of a year and a half. Issues included a failure to obtain work permits for minor workers, failing to supervise minors after 8 p.m. and having minors work too early or too late in the day.
The investigation began after a minor employee reported they were made to work over 10 hours in one day. The violations impact 50 employees, according to the Attorney General’s office.
“Companies that employ young workers have a responsibility to provide a safe and productive work environment,” said AG Healey. “We are committed to protecting the rights of young workers in Massachusetts and ensuring that employers understand and comply with our labor laws.”
The Attorney General’s office cited a number of other actions taken against Dunkin’ franchises in Massachusetts. Since 2020, the office has issued over 20 citations to area franchises that failed to comply with labor laws.
“This case is part of AG Healey’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of young workers at fast food chains across Massachusetts,” the Attorney General’s office wrote in a news release.
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