Is Chipotle’s Shutdown Illegal Union Busting? Depends on Motive

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will face federal labor board prosecution if agency lawyers find anti-union hostility behind its decision to shut down a store that was home to the burrito chain’s first workers to file for union recognition.

Chipotle, which owns and operates about 3,000 locations nationwide, flatly denied that the union drive had anything to do with permanently shuttering the restaurant in Augusta, Maine. The decision to shut down the store, which had been closed to the public since June 17, was based on not being able to properly staff it, the company said.

Chipotle United, made up of ...