McDonald’s charged for workers’ rights violations

On Behalf of | Dec 31, 2014 | Employment Law

Wisconsin McDonald’s employees may be interested to learn that on Dec. 19, the National Labor Relations Board filed complaints against the fast-food restaurant for violating its workers’ rights. According to the complaint, some of the franchisees took actions against employees who attempted to improve their working conditions and wages.

The NLRB has reportedly filed 86 charges against the franchisees since 2012. The allegations included discriminatory discipline, discharges, reduction in the amount of work hours, threats, interrogations and restrictions on communicating with union representatives, among many others. A spokesperson for McDonald’s stated that the charges were overreaching and dramatic. If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, litigation is set to begin in March.

Additionally, the NLRB requested that McDonald’s be considered as a joint employer; however, no complaint naming them as a joint employer was filed when the report was released. If the company was named as a joint employer, the corporate office could potentially be held liable for any violations made against employees by the franchisees.

In Wisconsin, employees are protected against discrimination based on sex or gender, race and sexual orientation. Additionally, workers are protected against discrimination should they chose to take part in activities that could result in better wages or improved working environments. If the employees are discriminated against, an employment law attorney may assist the former employee with filing evidence that the employee was either fired or let go due to their age, religion or work-related activities. In some cases, the attorney may work out a settlement that allows the employee to return to work or compensates them for any income that was lost or income that they would have earned. If a settlement cannot be reach, the attorney may represent the former employee in court.

Source: CNBC, “McDonald’s a ‘joint employer,’ violated worker rights: NLRB“, Katie Little , December 19, 2014

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