Class Actions Against McDonald’s Allege `Systemic’ Wage Theft in Three States

McDonald’s employees filed class actions in New York, California and Michigan March 12 and 13 against McDonald’s Corp., McDonald’s USA and several McDonald’s franchisees, claiming they were denied overtime pay and meal and rest periods, were paid below the minimum wage and alleging other violations of state and federal laws.

The 27 named plaintiffs—all current or former McDonald’s workers—represent an estimated 30,000 workers at the targeted stores, according to Joseph Sellers, co-counsel in the lawsuits in California and New York. Sellers announced the suit during a March 13 call with reporters.

Plaintiffs are seeking class action status in either federal ...