Lockport McDonald's Owner Has 550 Child Labor Law Violations: Illinois Attorney General

LOCKPORT, IL — The owner of a Lockport McDonald's is being sued by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul for violating child labor laws, including allegations that he had minors working excessively long shifts and often without work authorization, according to a news release.

The lawsuit is filed against the president and manager of Lockor LCC, Nicholas Kory, who owns and operates the McDonald's at 1039 E. Ninth St. in Lockport.

According to the lawsuit, Kory violated the Child Labor Law more than 550 times over seven months by employing at least 26 minors aged 14 or 15 and failing to obtain documentation authorizing the children to work; allowing children to work without rest and meal breaks; permitting children to work excessive shifts over eight hours, even up to 17 hours straight during the school year; and having children work late at night.

“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,” Raoul said in a release. “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.”

This case was referred to Attorney General Raoul’s office by the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL).

According to a news release, in July 2023, IDOL received a complaint that Lockor and Kory were permitting or requiring employees under 16 years old to work late-night shifts at the McDonald’s restaurant at 1039 E. Ninth St., in Lockport.

IDOL launched an investigation reviewing employment practices between Jan. 1 to July 8, 2023, the news release states.

The investigation found that 26 of the approximately 36 employees the restaurant employed were 14- or 15-year-old children and that only six of the minors had employment certificates. IDOL also determined that in approximately 55 instances, Lockor and Kory permitted the minors to work more than five hours without a required meal or rest break.

Raoul's office said the investigation also found at least 48 instances of minors working shifts lasting longer than eight hours. At least one of the minors worked multiple shifts exceeding 12 hours, including some shifts that lasted up to 17 hours, according to the lawsuit.

The young McDonald’s employees were also permitted to work past 11 p.m. on school nights, including one minor who worked as late as 1:30 a.m.

“This case should send a clear message: exploiting children in the workplace will not be tolerated in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “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.”

The IDOL sent a formal notice of 568 identified violations of the Child Labor Law and assessed over $2.1 million in civil penalties, which the company has not paid, the Attorney General's office said.

According to a news release, Illinois’ Child Labor Law allows 14- and 15-year-old children to be employed in most occupations but requires the employer to obtain an employment certificate issued by the child’s school. The law also limits when minors can work and the total hours they are allowed to work each day and week.

The law prohibits 14- and 15-year-olds from working more than six consecutive days in one week; over eight hours per day; over three hours on a school day; over eight hours per day combining school and work hours; over 24 hours any week school is in session; over 48 hours during any week school is not in session; or after 7 p.m. from Labor Day to June 1, or after 9 p.m. from June 1 until Labor Day.

Raoul's lawsuit asks the court to prevent Lockor and Kory from engaging in employment practices that violate the Child Labor Law. Raoul is also seeking civil penalties to be distributed equally among the affected minors, as well as to the state's Child Labor and Day and Temporary Labor Services Enforcement Fund, a news release states.

In 2019, a news release posted to Plainfield Patch showcased a different McDonald's location and its "student employees." The release read, "Nick Kory, Owner – Operator of the McDonald’s on Renwick and Route 59 in Plainfield Threw a party for the High School Graduating Employees and their families."