Teens at Washington Trampoline Park Didn’t Receive Breaks, Worked Too Many Hours

Teens working at Sky Zone trampoline park in Vancouver, Washington, did not receive meal breaks, and worked more hours than the law allows during school times, an investigation by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries shows.

L&I said it cited Sky Zone more than $22,000, but the firm did not appeal or pay the fine by a Feb. 15 deadline, so the agency will work to collect the funds. The L&I investigation covered Feb. 15 to May 15, 2023.

In Washington, teens working more than five consecutive hours earn a meal break. However, on more than 250 occasions, 43 teens at Sky Zone didn’t receive that break, according to investigators. Additionally, about the same number of teens, all 16 to 17 years old, also worked beyond hours allowed under law on more than 350 occasions. According to state law, teens that age can only work up to four hours on a school day, and no more than 20 hours during a school week.

L&I’s investigation began with complaints from local high schools. Schools, parents, employers, and teens must all sign a parent/school authorization form before beginning employment. The form lists the hours the teen will work and other information.

Sky Zone describes itself as a franchised indoor trampoline park with a variety of attractions. There are roughly 200 parks nationwide.