Franchisor Is Not “Lovin’ It”

Last week, McDonald’s and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) faced off in an administrative court to determine whether the fast-food chain is liable for the actions of its franchisees as a joint employer. The case arose out of hundreds of complaints filed by fast food workers alleging they were illegally threatened, disciplined, or fired after protesting for collective bargaining and a $15 minimum wage. The NLRB backs these workers and charges that the McDonald’s corporation should be held equally liable for any violations a franchisee commits against its employees. If the NLRB prevails, the ruling will overturn decades of precedent, disrupting the expectations of thousands of businesses. Significantly, it would allow workers to unionize and bargain directly with corporate headquarters, and would expose franchisors to a great deal of liability in labor matters. Click here to read the full article.