$3.55M McDonald’s Employee Meal Breaks Class Action Settlement
What employees need to know about eligibility, deadlines, and claims
McDonald’s franchise owners UTB Enterprises LLC and Goldenband LLC have agreed to a $3.55 million class action settlement resolving allegations that employees were not paid for meal breaks under Oregon law. This article provides an in-depth look at the case, who qualifies, settlement terms, deadlines, and instructions for filing a claim.
Background of the Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit, South, et al. v. Armstrong, et al., Case No. 20CV29671, was filed in the Circuit Court of Oregon, Multnomah County. Plaintiffs argued that employees at McDonald’s locations operated by UTB Enterprises and Goldenband LLC were not properly compensated for meal periods lasting less than 30 minutes during shifts of six hours or more. Under Oregon labor law, such short meal breaks must be paid if employees are not relieved of all duties.
UTB Enterprises and Goldenband LLC, as franchise operators, did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve claims efficiently. The settlement demonstrates a growing focus on wage-and-hour compliance within the fast-food industry, especially for franchise operations nationwide.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria for the settlement are as follows:
- Worked as an hourly employee at a McDonald’s franchise operated by UTB Enterprises, Goldenband LLC, or Donald D. Armstrong and Lori Armstrong.
- Employed anytime after March 8, 2014.
- Had a meal period of less than 30 minutes during a six-hour or longer shift that was not compensated.
Employees meeting these conditions are part of the settlement class and can file a claim to receive compensation. It is crucial to submit accurate employment information, including dates worked, location, and hours.
Settlement Terms and Payments
The total settlement fund is $3.55 million. Payments are determined by the number of eligible workweeks an employee worked:
- 0–10 eligible workweeks: $31.14 automatically.
- 11 or more eligible workweeks: up to $872.49 if a claim is submitted.
Exact amounts may vary depending on the total claims received. Eligible employees must submit a claim to receive the full amount based on workweeks.
Claim submissions require proof of employment under penalty of perjury. Filing a fraudulent claim can harm other eligible class members and is legally punishable.
Deadlines and Important Dates
- January 7, 2026: Last day to opt out or object to the settlement.
- March 8, 2026: Deadline to submit a valid claim form to receive benefits.
- March 27, 2026: Final court hearing for approval of the settlement.
All claims must be submitted before the deadline to ensure eligibility for the maximum settlement amount.
How to File a Claim
Eligible employees can file a claim online through the official settlement administrator website:
Make sure you provide your employment dates, location of work, and hours worked. Claims filed without accurate information may be rejected.
Employees who are unsure if they qualify should consult the FAQ on the settlement administrator’s site before submitting a claim.
Legal Counsel and Case Administration
Class counsel for the plaintiffs is:
- Jon M. Egan, JON M. EGAN P.C.
Defense counsel representing the franchisees is:
- Sean P. Ray, BARRAN LIEBMAN LLP
Settlement administration is handled by the South v. Armstrong Settlement Administrator:
- P.O. Box 5129, Portland, OR 97208-5129
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 833-419-0987
Why This Settlement Matters
Class action settlements such as this highlight the importance of employee rights enforcement in large franchise systems. They ensure that employees are compensated for work performed, even in short intervals that might otherwise go unpaid. Additionally, these settlements encourage compliance and transparency from franchise operators.
By filing claims, eligible employees can recover compensation for lost wages and help hold large franchisees accountable for labor law compliance.
FAQs About the Settlement
- Do I need proof of employment? Yes, accurate records including dates and location are required.
- Can I submit more than one claim? No, one claim per individual is allowed.
- What if I don’t qualify? Do not submit a claim; check Top Class Actions for other available settlements.
- Is there a risk in submitting a claim? Only if you provide false information. Legitimate claims are safe and protected.
Conclusion
The $3.55M McDonald’s employee meal break settlement offers compensation to eligible hourly employees who were not fully paid for short meal breaks. Key actions include verifying eligibility, submitting accurate claims before the March 8, 2026 deadline, and consulting the settlement administrator for guidance.
This settlement serves as a reminder of the legal rights of employees under state labor laws and reinforces the accountability of large franchise operations.
For more information and claim submission, visit: https://utbgoldenbandclassaction.com
