Chipotle will give NYC workers $20M over labor law violations
Big Apple locations of the Mexican fast-food chain were investigated over sick leave, scheduling complaints
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday that Chipotle Mexican Grill will pay about 13,000 current and former Big Apple workers approximately $20 million in compensation over alleged violations of city labor laws.
Investigators said the Mexican fast-food chain failed to post work schedules two weeks in advance, pay a premium for schedule changes and offer available shifts to current employees before hiring new employees.
"Today’s settlement with Chipotle is not only a victory for workers by securing up to $20 million in relief for approximately 13,000 workers, but also sends a strong message, as the largest worker protection settlement in New York City history, that we won’t stand by when workers’ rights are violated," Adams said in a statement.
The mayor's office said the settlement is the largest fair workweek settlement nationwide and the largest worker protection settlement in city history.
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A sign outside a Chipotle outlet in Manhattan, New York City, February 7, 2022. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly / Reuters)
The agreement with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) covers employees who worked at Chipotle locations in New York City between 2017 and this year.
City officials said the action came after an investigation into complaints filed by 160 workers and Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union.
Hourly Chipotle workers are eligible to get $50 for each week worked between Nov. 26, 2017, and April 30, 2022.
A Chipotle worker in Manhattan, New York City., February 7, 2022. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly / Reuters)
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Former employees will receive a notice with information about how much money they will receive and must file a claim to receive a payment. Employees who were employed with Chipotle on April 30 of this year will receive a check in the mail along with a letter explaining how their amount was calculated.
Chipotle will also pay $1 million in civil penalties to New York.
A Chipotle outlet in Manhattan, New York City, February 7, 2022. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly / Reuters)
"We’re pleased to be able to resolve these issues and believe this settlement demonstrates Chipotle’s commitment to providing opportunities for all of our team members while also complying with the Fair Workweek law," Scott Boatwright, Chipotle's chief restaurant officer, said in a statement.
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"We have implemented a number of compliance initiatives, including additional management resources and adding new and improved time keeping technology, to help our restaurants and we look forward to continuing to promote the goals of predictable scheduling and access to work hours for those who want them," he added. "We hope this settlement will pave the way for greater cooperation between the restaurant industry and the city."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.