The National Labor Relations Board Office of the General Counsel has announced it has issued more than a dozen unfair labor practice complaints against McDonald’s franchisees and McDonald’s USA, LLC, as joint employers.  The complaints allege that McDonald’s USA, LLC and certain franchisees violated the rights of employees working at McDonald’s restaurants at various locations around the country.

The General Counsel’s action heightens anticipation for the Board’s decision in Browning-Ferris, in which the NLRB is expected to change the existing standard for a finding of joint employer. We will monitor and report developments.