Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Labor rights proponents are delighted with a legal ruling by the National Labor Relations Board.
The decision said McDonald’s can be treated as a joint employer with its franchise-owned restaurants, potentially exposing the fast food giant to hundreds of lawsuits over how companies deal with their workers.
“HUGE victory for labor & fast food workers!” the Service Employees International Union tweeted after the ruling Tuesday.
McDonald’s said it will fight the decision, which could set a precedent for the industry.
Most of the company’s restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees. This also holds true for its competitors, such as Yum Brands, which owns KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.
Unions and fast food workers have been protesting in cities around the U.S. in a push for higher wages and the right to unionize.
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