McDonald’s US hiring 14 and 15 year-olds as labor shortage continues

One McDonald’s branch in the United States is now hiring workers as young as 14 years old. The restaurant branch in the state of Oregon recently posted a sign to call 14 and 15-year-olds to apply for vacancies in the outlet.

According to BBC News, the McDonald's job hiring sign for teens in Oregon was spotted as companies are dealing with the labor shortage. It was reported that the particular branch is part of the Biddle Road franchise in Medford and a banner was placed outside of its store two weeks ago.

The sign proved to be effective as it was said that applications have started pouring in after McDonald’s put up the sign for the job offer. It was added that it was a legal offer that complies with the labor laws.

The fast-food chain is just one of the major restaurant brands that have been struggling to find new workers despite the fact that the restrictions have already been softened. The labor shortage was triggered by the strict protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic since people were asked to stay indoors.

But now, when most of the restrictions have already been lifted, hiring is still difficult as most people have chosen to stay at home for fear of infection while others simply decided to just work remotely. This was why most firms today have raised the minimum wage and added attractive benefits and incentives to lure applicants.

In any case, Heather Kennedy, the operator of McDonald’s in Medford, said that staff shortage was "unheard of" since their family started operating the restaurant franchises 40 years ago. She also confirmed that she received over 25 applications since they opened their McDonald’s branch for 14 and 15-year-old workers.

Meanwhile, it was reiterated that there is no violation of the US labor laws when it decided to hire teens under 16. In Oregon, 14-year-olds are already allowed to work as long as it is under the non-hazardous jobs category such as food service.

Fox Business further reported that while they are allowed to work, their work hours could not be scheduled during school hours. Plus, they are only limited to work three hours on school days. The state’s Bureau of Labor and Industries also stated that they must be given breaks so they can get enough rest, especially during non-school days.