January 28, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — Violating Teen Labor Laws: A trampoline park in Tukwila, Washington, faces over $68,000 in fines for violating labor laws. The violations included overworking teenage employees and failing to provide required meal breaks.
L&I Investigation and Citations
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) investigated Sky Zone Seattle after receiving a complaint. The investigation revealed several labor law violations. It found that 57 minors worked more than five consecutive hours without meal breaks on 537 occasions.
Additionally, 19 minors worked over 20 hours per week during a school week on 43 occasions. Similarly, 34 minors worked over four hours on a school day before another school day 154 times. Moreover, 15 minors worked more than eight hours on a non-school day during a school week on 32 occasions.
Safety Violations and Prior Citations
The L&I probe began with a workplace safety complaint. A teen was reportedly asked to fix a zip line 12 feet off the ground without proper training or fall protection. This led to a citation for Sky Zone for failing to conduct required safety meetings.
This is the second time a Sky Zone location has been cited. In 2024, L&I cited a Vancouver, Washington, location for similar violations. There, 43 teens worked without meal breaks over 250 times and exceeded the allowed hours on more than 350 occasions.
Franchise in Hot Water Again
Sky Zone operates about 200 indoor trampoline parks across the U.S. This fine highlights the importance of following youth employment laws at all Sky Zone locations.
For further details, read the full report from Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
FAQs: About the Teen Labor Laws in Washington
What are teen labor laws in Washington?
Teen labor laws in Washington regulate work hours, break requirements, and job duties to protect the health and safety of minors.
How did Sky Zone violate teen labor laws?
Investigators found minors working too many hours during school weeks, exceeding daily limits, and being denied required meal breaks.
Why are teen labor laws important?
These laws ensure young workers are not overworked or placed in unsafe situations, helping balance school commitments with part-time jobs.
What penalties can companies face for breaking teen labor laws?
Businesses can face fines, legal action, and repeat citations that damage their reputation and operations if they fail to comply.
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