Global fast food restaurant chain KFC has been served with a fine of $30,000 for violating the child employment laws in three outlets in Perth, Australia.
The fast food major is alleged to have made children work past 10pm and was consequently found guilty by the Industrial Magistrates Court for non-compliance of rules on 153 different occasions at outlets in Ellenbrook, Rockingham and Forrestfield.
The company released a statement in response that took full responsibility of the wrongdoing and suggested that it had taken corrective measures to avoid occurence of a similar incident in future.
"We take full responsibility and accept that the penalties that have been imposed are appropriate in the circumstances," the company stated apologizing to the parents of the concerned employees.
As per Australian laws children in the age group of 13 - 15 are allowed to be employed between 6am and 10pm with written permission from their parents.
Employee unions in Australia, have meanwhile, sought a more stringent punishment against KFC citing the serious exploitation issue that saw multiple instances of unlawful practice.
