AMC penalized $141,570 over child-labor violations

American Multi-Cinema Inc., commonly known as the AMC movie theater chain, has been assessed a $141,570 civil penalty by the U.S. Department of Labor for violating federal youth-employment laws.

Investigators in Missouri, Iowa, New Jersey and Louisiana determined that the company allowed some employees under 18 to operate trash compactors and to work beyond the hours specified in the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The chain is required to produce and show a child labor public-service announcement at all of its 4,385 screens at its 296 theaters in 30 states. That includes eight theaters in the Phoenix area.

The law says 14- and 15-year-olds may work in certain occupations outside of school hours but not before 7 a.m. or later than 7 p.m. during the school year.