Chipotle will pay $240K to settle with union over Maine store closure

The Mexican chain said it is settling with Chipotle United and the National Labor Relations Board to avoid a protracted and expensive regulatory battle.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 27, 2023

Starbucks union welcomes CEO with 115-store strike

Laxman Narasimhan faces a nationwide demonstration of Starbucks Workers United members, who are urging for cooperation, one day before the chain’s annual shareholder meeting.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 22, 2023

Papa Johns fired worker with vision disability who needed service dog, EEOC alleges

Misconceptions still linger about service animals, including their risk to health and safety, EEOC says.

By Emilie Shumway • March 20, 2023

California court defends independent contractor status for gig workers

The California Court of Appeal upheld the independent contractor provision of Prop 22, but struck down portions that would’ve made it almost impossible to amend the law. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 14, 2023

Gopuff makes third round of layoffs since last spring

Latest staff cuts include about 2% of the company’s global workforce, according to a company spokesperson.

By Brett Dworski • March 10, 2023

DOL: Florida restaurants withheld $190K from workers to cover operating costs

Investigators in the agency’s Wage and Hour Division recovered more than $27 million for 22,531 foodservice workers during fiscal year 2022.

By Ginger Christ • March 10, 2023

Starbucks to appeal major NLRB judge ruling

Starbucks will fight a judge’s finding that the chain violated labor law as the brand uses the courts to run out the clock on the union drive.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 8, 2023

NYC cuts proposed delivery worker wage floor by almost $4

Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash persuaded the city to reduce its 2025 target base pay by $3.86 an hour, arguing workers would be compensated by “multi-apping.”

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 8, 2023

New York AG proposes rule limiting dynamic pricing

Price increases above 10% that aren’t being used to preserve margins would be considered excessive during states of emergency under the proposal.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 6, 2023

Starbucks faces corporate employee revolt

A group of at least 83 corporate workers have signed a petition urging the company to pull back from its return-to-office policies and sign a fair election agreement with Starbucks Workers United.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 2, 2023

NRA forecasts 2023 job growth, not major recession

With jobs up and wage growth moderating, most restaurant operators still expect high labor costs and difficulty hiring, according to the National Restaurant Association’s State of the Industry report.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 28, 2023

Starbucks board opposes labor review backed by NYC pension funds

A group of Starbucks investors is calling for an independent workers’ rights assessment of the chain’s conduct in the Starbucks Workers United Campaign, fearing risks to “long-term value.”

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 24, 2023

CA bill would establish joint franchisor-franchisee liability for QSRs

AB 1228 reopens the legislative fight between fast food groups and organized labor as both prepare for a protracted referendum campaign. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 22, 2023

IRS proposes point-of-sale tip reporting

Service industry employers that participate in a proposed voluntary IRS tip reporting program could receive protection from liability under rules that define tips as part of an employee’s pay.

By Laurel Kalser • Feb. 15, 2023

How Chipotle’s focus on training, internal promotions drove record employee retention

With 90% of its restaurants fully staffed, traffic has already shown signs of improvement in January. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 8, 2023

Starbucks’ stagnating traffic drives reinvention plan

Transactions per store per day are down globally compared to last year, but Starbucks says retention is up and traffic is more concentrated in specific dayparts.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 3, 2023

Michigan court strikes down attempt to raise wage, eliminate tip credit

The court case is another legal victory for the restaurant industry in its political battle to cap pay and preserve the tipped minimum wage.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 31, 2023

Virginia introduces fast food labor council bill

Like California’s controversial FAST Recovery Act, the bill would establish a commission to regulate restaurant working standards and wages. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 27, 2023

Chipotle to add 15K workers before spring

The chain is looking to boost restaurant staffing to support new openings, all while promoting many managers from the ranks of its hourly workforce.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 26, 2023

KFC offers tuition-free college to some workers

The chain will offer the education perk to eligible employees through a partnership with Western Governors University starting in February.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 25, 2023

FAST Recovery Act referendum approved, opening political duel in California

California’s secretary of state found restaurants’ challenge to the fast food council law has collected sufficient signatures, a political win for QSRs. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 25, 2023

Burger King franchisee to pay $60K to settle pregnant ex-worker’s harassment, retaliation claims

As part of the settlement, North Georgia Foods entered a two-year consent decree and will notify the alleged harasser that he is not eligible for rehire.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 24, 2023

Peet’s union wins first election

The union victory in Davis, California, is another score for organized labor in the cafe sector, which has seen a rash of campaigns in recent years.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 23, 2023

The solution to the labor shortage is not automation. It’s autonomy.

Remy Robotics CEO Yegor Traiman proposes a comprehensive solution to the restaurant industry’s labor problem.

Jan. 23, 2023

New York City’s ‘skip the stuff’ bill for foodware items goes to mayor’s desk

The bill to prohibit foodservice establishments from automatically including plastic cutlery and other items is meant to cut down on waste. It’s the latest in the city’s recent laws banning certain single-use foodware.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 20, 2023