Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Mar. 5 that his office has filed a lawsuit against the president and manager of Lockor LCC, which operates a McDonald’s restaurant in Lockport, for allegedly violating state child labor laws more than 550 times by employing minors without proper permits and allowing them to work excessive hours.
The case highlights concerns about workplace protections for young employees. The lawsuit alleges that at least 26 children aged 14 or 15 were employed without required employment certificates and worked shifts as long as 17 hours during the school year, sometimes late into the night and without mandated breaks.
Raoul said, “Employment can teach minors valuable lessons in responsibility and money management. It is absolutely unacceptable that a local business owner would take advantage of young employees who are just starting their time in the workforce. The Child Labor Law exists for a reason – to prevent this very situation from occurring, which is why any company that violates the law must be held accountable. I will continue to enforce laws that protect our youngest workers’ rights.”
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) referred the case after receiving a complaint in July 2023 about underage employees working late-night shifts at the McDonald’s on East 9th Street in Lockport. An IDOL investigation found only six out of approximately 36 minor employees had employment certificates, with numerous instances where minors worked more than five hours without meal or rest breaks. The investigation also documented at least 48 cases of minors working shifts longer than eight hours, including some up to 17 hours straight, and one minor working until 1:30 a.m. on a school night.
Jane Flanagan, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor, said, “This case should send a clear message: exploiting children in the workplace will not be tolerated in Illinois. Our investigation uncovered minors working excessive hours, late into the night, and without the basic protections the law requires. These are not technical violations — they are serious breaches that put young people’s health, safety, and education at risk. The Illinois Department of Labor will continue to use every tool available to hold employers accountable and ensure that workplaces protect, not endanger, our children.”
Following its investigation, IDOL issued formal notice of 568 violations and assessed over $2.1 million in civil penalties against Lockor LCC and Nicholas J. Kory; these penalties have not been paid.
Illinois’ Child Labor Law allows certain employment for those aged 14 or 15 but requires an employment certificate from their school and limits both daily and weekly work hours as well as how late they may work during school sessions.
Raoul’s lawsuit seeks court orders preventing further violations by Lockor LCC and Kory along with civil penalties distributed among affected minors and state enforcement funds.
The Illinois Attorney General advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants and seniors according to the official website. The office handled thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website. It aimed to protect consumers, promote safer communities and advocate for environmental issues according to its official website. Its advocacy efforts extended across Illinois according to its official website. The Attorney General partnered with law enforcement agencies to support crime victims and promote open government according to its official website, while also offering services such as complaint filing for consumer fraud or civil rights issues according to its official website.
Attorney General Raoul encourages workers who believe their rights have been violated to call his Workplace Rights Hotline or file complaints through his office’s website.
