Fisher Scones Maker Fined For Overworking Teens 1,500 Times

TUMWATER, WA — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is citing the maker of Fisher Scones for overworking teenagers on more than 1,500 occasions.

Conifer Specialties is a Woodland-based company, but their Fisher Scones are sold all over the state, and have been particularly popular in the past at the Washington State Fair.

The company drew the attention of Department of Labor and Industries when a teenager was hurt while using a mixer last fall. While investigating that accident, the department says they began to notice that the company appeared to be asking teens to work illegally long shifts.

Upon investigating further, the team says they found 1,560 times when teens worked beyond their legal hours. Of those, 426 violations involved children working when they should have been at school.

“It is imperative for employers to understand that it is against the law for a teen to work during school hours, even in these times with remote learning,” said Josie Bryan, Youth Employment Specialist for L&I.

L&I says the investigation ended up involving 78 kids ages 14-15 and 139 aged 16-17.

State law limits children 14-15 from working more than 16 hours a week or three hours a day. 16 and 17-year-olds can work no more than 20 hours a week or four hours each day. However, companies can apply for variances to allow minors to work more hours.

“Child labor laws exist to strike a balance between providing a meaningful work experience for young people and keeping them safe on the job,” Bryan said.

L&I also found over 100 instances of kids missing or being denied meal breaks while on the job. Meal breaks are protected under the law to help prevent on-the-job injuries.

Conifer Specialties has until Dec. 23 to appeal the citation. If they don't, they'll end up paying a $45,100 fine for all 1,560 violations.