Dirty Al's fined $6K for hiring minors at Port Isabel location: Dept of Labor

PORT ISABEL, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division fined the operator of Dirty Al's in Port Isabel for employing children.

According to a news release from the DOL, Dirty Al's at Pelican Station violated federal law by employing eight minors, including 14 and 15 year-old children, to work as hostesses and bussers at its Port Isabel location.

"The employer required minors to work extended hours on school days, non-school days and holidays, which exceed the limits set by federal law," the news release stated.

Dirty Al's is now required to pay $6,328 in civil penalties for its child labor violations.

"Child labor laws vary by age and task. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that when young people work, the work does not jeopardize their health, safety or educational opportunities," said Wage and Hour District Director Cindy Cantu-Flores in McAllen. "The department offers many resources online to explain obligations for employers and worker rights."

We have reached out to the company for a response to the fine.