The global discount retailer Tk Maxx store in Melbourne faces criminal charges for allegedly breaching child employment laws.

Tk Maxx is a major clothing brand hit with criminal charges as it violated the child employment laws at Werribee shop in Victoria, Australia. The Managing Director of Global Data Retailer, Neil Saunders confirmed the news on his official Twitter account.

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Tk Maxx hit with 33 criminal charges

Tk Maxx has been hit with 33 criminal charges after allegedly breaching the legal laws of Victoria at the Werribee store. The giant global retailer is facing a fine of over $600,000. The maximum penalty for each unlawful act is $18,429.

Tk Maxx is facing offenses that it employed two children under 15 without a permit on twelve occasions. It failed to ensure children were under the supervision of someone with a working with children check. Moreover, it did not provide a half-hour rest break for every three hours of work.

Among the allegations are claims that Tk Maxx employed a child for more hours and their worked shifts went beyond 9 p.m.

It is essential to get a permit or license to employ a child under 15 under the child employment law of the state. There are also terms and conditions about hiring children younger than 15. Like, how long they can work during school term. And to supervise them under someone who holds a Victorian Working with Children Clearance.

The charges are the result of child employment compliance by Wage Inspectorate Officers during the school summer holidays in 2022-2023. Officers inspected 169 businesses at 8 shopping centers across Melbourne, Eastland, and Highpoint. They detected 29 suspected offenses at four businesses including Tk Maxx. Melbourne Magistrates’ Court is going to conduct the hearing of this matter on Nov 8, 2023.

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