Workers’ Compensation Claims Triggered Probes of Walmart for Child Labor Violations

Pennsylvania announced a $7.8 million settlement with Walmart for violations of the state’s Child Labor Act in what the Shapiro Administration said is the largest child labor enforcement action in Pennsylvania history.

Investigations were triggered by reports of workers’ compensation claims related to minors.

The Bureau of Labor Law Compliance (BLLC) began investigating Walmart in February 2025 after receiving referrals from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation about minors who were injured while working at Walmart stores. Investigators conducted 10 audits at eight Walmart locations throughout Pennsylvania, finding an average of 65 Child Labor Act violations per audit.

According to state officials, the investigation uncovered systemic child labor violations, including minors working excessive hours and not receiving required breaks. State investigators conducted 10 audits at eight Walmart locations throughout Pennsylvania, finding an average of 65 Child Labor Act violations per audit.

“Pennsylvania’s child labor laws exist to protect our kids, and employers have a responsibility to follow them,” said Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “When our investigators identified a pattern of violations at Walmart stores, we knew we needed to look beyond those individual locations.”

“Every employer in Pennsylvania should be on notice: we will not tolerate you taking advantage of our youngest workers,” Governor Josh Shapiro said.

According to the announcement, the violations identified during the investigations include:

• Failing to obtain required work permits for minor employees;
• Failing to notify school districts when minor employees were hired or terminated;
• Failing to provide minor employees with breaks required by law; and
• Allowing minors to work more hours than permitted under Pennsylvania law.

After identifying a pattern at the stores investigated, BLLC expanded its enforcement efforts to Walmart locations statewide.

Under the statewide settlement, Walmart will pay $7.68 million in administrative penalties, in addition to $142,785 in fines previously paid.

The agreement includes compliance measures to protect young workers and prevent future violations at Walmart stores.

Walmart emailed a statement noting it has put in place what’s needed to comply with the labor law. “We’re pleased to have resolved this matter. We have processes in place to support compliance with applicable laws, including the paperwork requirements, and we regularly review and improve them,” a company spokesperson stated.

The company did not indicate if it agrees with the findings of violations.

Since Shapiro took office in January 2023, L&I has investigated more than 2,200 child labor cases across Pennsylvania and found violations by hundreds of employers.