Yesterday a group of disgruntled McDonald’s employees in 3 separate U.S. states, brought forth a lawsuit against McDonald’s franchises for wage theft, a denial of benefits that are owed to an employee.
Employees claim having to work early hours without clocking in until customers get there, clocking out and then staying late to clean without earning and payments due that have not been received.
“Our clients are among the most economically vulnerable, and they work for a company that earned more than $5 billion (R50b) in profits,” said Joe Sellers, one of the lawyers representing the New York and California plaintiffs.
“We are currently reviewing the allegations in the lawsuits,” said McDonald’s spokeswoman Heidi Barker Sa Shekhem in a statement. “McDonald’s and our independent franchisees are committed to undertaking a comprehensive investigation of the allegations and will take any necessary actions as they apply to our respective organizations.”
McDonald’s released an official response to wage theft lawsuits below:
‘McDonald’s and our independent owner-operators share a concern and commitment to the well-being and fair treatment of all people who work in McDonald’s restaurants. We are currently reviewing the allegations in the lawsuits. Mcdonald’s and our independent franchisees are committed to undertaking a comprehensive investigation of the allegations and will take any necessary actions as they apply to our respective organisations.’
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