Build-A-Bear fined for child labor law violations

St. Louis Build-A-Bear Workshop was fined $25,600 for violating child labor laws following a probe into activities at several of its stores, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.

U.S. Department of Labor investigations found that 16- and 17-year-old employees loaded and operated trash compactors, and controlled and rode in a freight elevator that did not have an assigned operator.

The federal audit identified 14 minors performing tasks contrary to the child labor law, the report said.

Build-A-Bear was cited following investigations from January 2006 to April 2008 at stores in Wichita, Kan.; Wauwatosa, Wis.; Grandville, Mich.; West Des Moines, Iowa; and Aurora, Ill.

As a result of those investigations, Build-A-Bear said it no longer hires anyone younger than 18.