Walmart Pays $7.8 Million to Settle Pennsylvania Child Labor Violations
Walmart agreed to a record $7.8 million settlement with Pennsylvania to resolve child labor law violations uncovered during a statewide investigation.
Walmart Inc. will pay $7.8 million to settle violations of the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act, marking the largest child labor enforcement action in the state's history. The settlement includes $7.68 million in administrative penalties and $142,785 in previously paid fines. The funds will be used for labor law education, enforcement, and compliance efforts.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry launched an investigation in February 2025 following reports of minors being injured at company stores. Audits of eight locations revealed an average of 65 violations per site. These infractions included denying required breaks, allowing minors to work excessive hours, failing to obtain work permits, and failing to notify school districts of employment changes.
Under the terms of the agreement, the retailer must implement manager training on child labor laws, post employee rights in the workplace, and submit employment records for minors to state officials at six-month and one-year intervals. Walmart also agreed to an amplified penalty, paying double the typical fine for any future violations discovered during compliance checks.
Governor Josh Shapiro stated the action serves as a warning to employers against exploiting young workers. A Walmart spokesperson noted that the company has processes to support compliance and regularly reviews them for improvement.
