It's a ruling that could lead to unionization for fast food workers across the U.S. — and the business community is not happy about it. (Via Getty Images)
On Tuesday, the National Labor Relations Board's general counsel said McDonald's could be held responsible at a corporate level for labor violations against employees, meaning those violations wouldn't just be the concern of franchise owners.
Of the 181 complaints made by employees against McDonald's, the NLRB general counsel legitimized 43 of them — accusations of punishing, sometimes firing, employees for advocating unions and higher wages. (Via Time)
"We can't take it no more, we're fired up!"
The right to unionization is one of the key ways fast food workers — at McDonald's and elsewhere — hope to raise the minimum wage and gain a stronger footing in negotiations with corporate bosses. (Via KDVR)
Corporate bosses who are coming out strong against Tuesday's labor board ruling. The New York Times says, "Business groups called the decision outrageous." And a senior McDonald's VP says the decision, "goes against decades of established law."
Throughout the fight over higher wages for workers, McDonald's has argued that responsibility lies with franchise owners. Tuesday's decision says otherwise — that McDonald's itself is responsible for the fair treatment, and payment, of its workers. (Via Getty Images)
But that decision is subject to appeal — and McDonald's says it definitely will appeal. It's a legal battle several outlets are already saying could end up at the Supreme Court.
