Labor and Policy: Page 2


  • People hold signs while protesting in front of Starbucks on April 14, 2022 in New York City.
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    Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
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    Starbucks’ deal with union ends battle over board nominees

    A week after Starbucks and Workers United agreed on "a path forward" to end litigation and support collective bargaining, the Strategic Organizing Center is nixing its proxy fight with the chain. 

    By March 5, 2024
  • A person in a coat rides a bicycle holding a red DoorDash bag.
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    Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    DoorDash shifts pay scheme, cuts flexibility in New York City

    DoorDash says its fees in The Big Apple have driven down delivery sales, but the city says data from delivery firms shows steady sales.

    By Updated March 5, 2024
  • Explore the Trendline
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Workforce Challenges

    The recovering restaurant labor market is still unstable, marked by growing worker demand and a small talent pool, pressuring businesses to adapt their staffing strategies. 

    By Restaurant Dive staff
  • Colin Cochran tells reporters why he thinks Starbucks Workers United will win in Cheektowaga
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    Aneurin E Canham-Clyne/Restaurant Dive
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    Starbucks unionization efforts

    Starbucks, union take first steps toward detente

    The entities have agreed on a "path forward" to resolve litigation between the coffee chain and labor group and, eventually, reach a contract.

    By Feb. 27, 2024
  • Person in blue t-shirt leaning over countertop with coffee making equipment and holding a cellphone.
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    iStock/Jacob Wackerhausen

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    Sponsored by Instant Financial

    The cost of cash for restaurants

    Reduce your cash tips costs by moving to an electronic employee tips solution, with no fees.

    Feb. 26, 2024
  • Jose Andres gesticulating outside Zaytinya.
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    How José Andrés restaurant workers won voluntary union recognition

    Staff at The Bazaar by José Andrés in Washington, D.C., secured majority support for Unite Here Local 25 in a bid for better wages and benefits.

    By Feb. 23, 2024
  • A Grubhub courier. Grubhub and Sonesta will offer delivery to 120 extended stay hotels.
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    The image by Elvert Barnes is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    Los Angeles County sues Grubhub over ‘bait and switch’ fees

    The county calls for an injunction against alleged deceptive business practices and for Grubhub to pay fines for possible violations of California’s unfair competition and false advertising laws. 

    By Feb. 23, 2024
  • A closed Burgerim in Ashburn, Virginia
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    Julie Littman/Restaurant Dive
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    Judge bars Burgerim and its founder from selling franchises

    Burgerim could owe the FTC up to $56 million in civil penalties and money earmarked for consumer redress. Oren Loni, CEO and founder of the disgraced restaurant chain, settled separately in November. 

    By Feb. 23, 2024
  • Starbucks Workers United members picket outside a Starbucks in Watertown, Ma., on August 1, 2022.
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    Permission granted by Kylah Clay, Starbucks Workers United
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    Starbucks unionization efforts

    Starbucks union’s student allies stage national day of action against chain

    Demonstrations are slated at 25 major public and private universities Thursday in a bid to push administrators to break ties with the company, or declare solidarity with Starbucks Workers United.

    By Updated Feb. 22, 2024
  • A sign is posted in front of a McDonald's restaurant on April 28, 2022 in San Leandro, California.
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    Justin Sullivan / Staff via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s employee had to pump breast milk in stockroom corner, lawsuit alleges

    The complaint is the latest against large-scale employers who allegedly violate the PUMP Act by failing to provide nursing employees reasonable time to express milk in a private, sanitary place.

    By Laurel Kalser • Feb. 20, 2024
  • Starbucks Workers United member
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    Permission granted by Starbucks Workers United
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    Starbucks unionization efforts

    Starbucks union organizes record 21 stores in 1 day

    The organizing blitz is likely intended to pressure the coffee chain, which says it wants to reach contracts at all organized stores this year, during negotiations. 

    By Feb. 20, 2024
  • Two chefs smiling and cooking in a restaurant kitchen.
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    RgStudio via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Paylocity

    How to overcome 5 restaurant industry challenges

    Discover tips and tricks to help you tackle some of the top HR pain points for restaurants and hospitality businesses.

    Feb. 20, 2024
  • Toast for Hotel Restaurants
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    Permission granted by Toast
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    Toast to cut 550 employees

    The company’s CEO acknowledged during an earnings call that “we grew our team too quickly in some areas,” while reporting a presence in 106,000 locations as of the end of 2023.

    By Lynne Marek • Feb. 16, 2024
  • A remodeled McDonald's.
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    garett_mosher via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s franchisee settles rape case for $4.35M

    McDonald’s franchisee Rice Enterprises will sell its restaurants to fund a $4.35M settlement with a minor who was sexually assaulted by a manger.

    By Feb. 6, 2024
  • restaurant worker PPE
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    dapiki moto. (2020). "New Normal" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Unsplash.
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    Restaurant operators see gig work as labor solution, NRA says

    Finding staff is still a significant challenge for many operators, with 45% of surveyed restaurateurs reporting inadequate staffing to meet demand.

    By Feb. 6, 2024
  • Individuals posing at a press conference hosted by the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund in San Diego on Jan. 23, 2024, celebrating a $1 million settlement against Cheesecake Factory.
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    Permission granted by Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund
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    Cheesecake Factory, contractors agree to $1M settlement for underpaying 589 janitorial workers

    The resolution includes $750,000 from the restaurant chain and $250,000 from the janitorial contractors accused of wage theft, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office says.

    By Nish Amarnath • Feb. 1, 2024
  • Portillo's team member holds a loud speaker announcing an order is ready
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    Courtesy of Portillo's
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    How Portillo’s develops its managers to sustain $10M unit volumes

    CEO Michael Osanloo said the chain’s labor model and high unit volumes enable a “virtuous cycle” where sales drive wages and benefits, which in turn drive retention and efficiency.

    By Feb. 1, 2024
  • A red stop-work order is taped to a Boston Market door.
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    Kate Tornone/Restaurant Dive
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    US Foods wins $11.9M suit against Boston Market by default

    A federal judge found Boston Market engaged in bad faith and intentionally avoided engaging with process servers in a lawsuit over unpaid bills.

    By Feb. 1, 2024
  • Chipotle workers prepare food
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    Chipotle targets Gen Z workers with latest benefits

    The chain, whose workforce is 73% Gen Z, hopes to appeal to the demographic’s economic insecurity and hire 19,000 workers by spring. 

    By Jan. 24, 2024
  • QDOBA Burrito
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    Courtesy of QDOBA
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    Qdoba settles claim it failed to provide pay ranges in job ads

    The quick-service restaurant ran afoul of Washington state law, the proposed class action alleged.

    By Kate Tornone • Jan. 23, 2024
  • Two flags flown by fast food workers demonstrating in support of AB 257.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    California’s $20 fast food wage poses risk and reward, execs say at ICR

    Operational changes, value offerings and pricing are key tools in preserving traditional margins as wages rise, leadership from major chains shared. 

    By Jan. 23, 2024
  • Branches slightly obscure the facade of the U.S. Supreme Court building April 07, 2023 in Washington, DC
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Starbucks ‘Memphis 7’ dismissal case heads to the Supreme Court

    The court will hear Starbucks’ case that the National Labor Relations Board’s injunctions to reinstate several fired baristas were issued under an incorrect standard — a political win for the chain.

    By Updated Jan. 16, 2024
  • The results of a roll call vote to pass a measure rejecting the NLRB's joint employer rule
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    Retrieved from The House of Representatives on January 12, 2024
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    House votes to overturn NLRB’s joint employer rule

    The House may disapprove of joint employer, which would increase restaurant franchisor liability for employees, but Senate maneuvering will determine the fate of the rule.

    By Updated Jan. 12, 2024
  • An in-store bar.
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    Retrieved from Maizano on November 27, 2023
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    Deep Dive

    7 restaurant industry trends to watch in 2024

    Development costs will remain high and service fees could frustrate diners, but personalized offers and labor-saving tech may give brands an edge.

    By , , Jan. 10, 2024
  • A close-up of the creamy exterior of the Department of Labor building.
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    Caroline Colvin/Restaurant Dive
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    DOL independent contractor final rule announced, will take effect March 11

    The rule largely tracks the agency’s October 2022 proposed rule, adopting a six-factor, “totality-of-the-circumstances” framework for analyzing worker-employer relationships.

    By Ryan Golden • Jan. 9, 2024
  • Sign outside Department of Labor building, Washington, DC
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    Thinkstock via Getty Images
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    California bistro pocketed thousands in worker tips to pay expenses, suit alleges

    The Department of Labor is suing Entre Nous for $500,000 in back wages and damages, and said it misclassified workers as independent contractors.

    By Jan. 4, 2024