Illinois AG sues Lockport McDonald's for child labor law violations

Lawsuit alleges minors worked excessive hours without breaks

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Illinois Attorney General is suing a McDonald's restaurant in Lockport, accusing the operator of Lockor LLC of violating state child labor laws by overworking teenagers, some for up to 17 hours straight without proper rest and meal breaks.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the exploitation of young workers, especially in the fast food industry, and the importance of enforcing labor protections for minors to ensure their safety and well-being.

The details

The lawsuit alleges the Lockport McDonald's location violated Illinois child labor laws 568 times in 2023 by employing 14- and 15-year-olds for longer than the legal 8-hour limit without required rest and meal breaks. One minor was reportedly made to work until 1:30 a.m. The Illinois Department of Labor is seeking over $2.1 million in penalties from the company, which has not yet paid.

  • The alleged violations occurred in 2023.

The players

Illinois Attorney General

The chief legal officer of the state of Illinois, responsible for enforcing state laws and protecting consumer rights.

Lockor LLC

The company that owns and operates the Lockport McDonald's restaurant accused of violating child labor laws.

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What’s next

The Illinois Department of Labor is seeking over $2.1 million in penalties from Lockor LLC, and the case will proceed through the legal system.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of strict enforcement of child labor laws to protect young workers from exploitation, especially in the fast food industry where minors are commonly employed.