North Carolina Chick-fil-A faces backlash for offering to pay ‘volunteer’ workers in chicken sandwiches

The operators of a Chick-fil-A in North Carolina have ended a controversial program by which they solicited “volunteers” to work the drive-thru in alternate for rooster sandwich vouchers

The Chick-fil-A in Hendersonville, N.C. issued the provide final week in a now-deleted publish on Fb.

“We’re on the lookout for volunteers for our new Drive Via Categorical!” the publish learn. “Earn 5 free entrées per shift (1 hr) labored. Message us for particulars.”

Regardless of deleting the publish, the restaurant’s social media pages continues to be inundated with crucial feedback from visitors annoyed with the franchise. 

“I don’t need anybody serving meals to not have been skilled!” one girl wrote.

“Glad to see you deleted the extremely unlawful volunteer publish,” wrote one other. “Pay employees’ cash not rooster.”

Different feedback criticized the franchise for violating the Honest Labor Requirements Act (FLSA), which prohibits non-public, for-profit firms from enlisting volunteers to carry out common job duties. 

North Carolina Division of Labor communications director Jennifer Haigwood confirmed to Fox Information Digital that “any private-sector employer who is roofed by the FLSA is prohibited from permitting workers to volunteer companies.”

Haigwood famous that the North Carolina Division of Labor doesn’t have any jurisdiction over volunteers or in conditions the place there isn’t an employer-employee relationship.

“Thanks for everybody’s concern on this matter,” the Hendersonville retailer proprietor Joel Benson wrote on Instagram. “After rigorously reviewing claims and different particulars dropped at our consideration, we’ve got determined to cease this program and never transfer ahead sooner or later. We’re at all times on the lookout for a enjoyable and artistic methods to interact our neighborhood. Sadly, we introduced pointless negativity and misplaced regional/nationwide consideration to our city as a substitute. I apologize for this and can proceed to make all efforts to deal with our visitors with honor, dignity, and respect.”

Chick-fil-A Hendersonville didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information’ request for remark.