Wisconsin Governor Demands Accountability After Burger King Franchises Accused of Widespread Child Labor Violations

State investigation finds over 1,600 violations affecting more than 600 minors at Burger King restaurants operated by Cave Enterprises Operations LLC.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is demanding accountability after state investigators allegedly found more than 1,600 child labor and wage violations affecting over 600 minors at Burger King restaurants operated by Cave Enterprises Operations LLC across the state. The state Department of Workforce Development ordered the company to immediately comply with state labor laws and pay over $237,000 in unpaid wages, and is seeking up to $828,000 in penalties unless the company resolves the matter within 20 days.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of enforcing child labor laws to protect young workers and ensure they can stay safe on the job while continuing to succeed in school. It also underscores the need for accountability when employers exploit minors, which goes against Wisconsin's proud history of treating workers with dignity and respect.

The details

According to the state Department of Workforce Development, Cave Enterprises committed at least 1,656 violations of Wisconsin child labor and wage payment laws at 105 franchises during a two-year period ending in January 2025. This includes 593 employees ages 14 and 15 being allowed to begin work without the required child labor permits, 627 minors working shifts of six hours or more without legally mandated meal breaks, and hundreds working outside allowed hours or exceeding limits for school-age workers.

  • The investigation began after DWD identified 33 separate child labor and wage complaints filed against individual Cave Enterprises franchises between 2020 and 2023.
  • State officials reviewed employment records from Jan. 1, 2023, through Jan. 25, 2025.

The players

Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin who is demanding accountability after the alleged child labor violations.

Amy Pechacek

The Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, which conducted the investigation and found the alleged violations.

Cave Enterprises Operations LLC

The company that operates the Burger King franchises where the alleged child labor violations occurred.

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What they’re saying

“Here in Wisconsin, we have a proud history of making sure workers are treated with dignity and respect, and that's especially true when it comes to our kids.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin (wlip.com)

“The investigation underscores the importance of enforcing child labor laws to ensure young workers can stay safe on the job while continuing to succeed in school.”

— Amy Pechacek, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (wlip.com)

What’s next

If Cave Enterprises fails to pay the wages and penalties, the case could be referred to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for enforcement in court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for strict enforcement of child labor laws to protect young workers from exploitation, even at major corporate franchises. It serves as a warning to employers that the state of Wisconsin will not tolerate violations that jeopardize the safety and well-being of minors in the workforce.