Cutting your lunch break short to handle a rush is one thing. Not getting paid for it is another. Hundreds of Oregon McDonald’s workers say that’s exactly what happened to them and a settlement is now on the table.
The McDonald’s franchise in question has agreed to pay $3.55 million in payouts after employees accused it of skipping wages during short meal breaks.
The settlement involves restaurants operated by UTB Enterprises and Goldenband LLC in the Portland area. Timothy South and Sharla Gaskill filed the class action lawsuit in 2020, claiming the companies violated Oregon wage and hour laws by failing to pay for meal periods that lasted less than 30 minutes during six-hour shifts, which Oregon law treats as compensable time.
The companies deny wrongdoing but agreed to the deal. Workers were notified in December after the court gave preliminary approval in October.
Attorney fees and administrative costs will also be paid from the fund. Any leftover money goes to Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Northwest Workers’ Justice Project.
Payments will vary. Some former employees will receive payments of $31.14. Others could receive up to $872.49, depending on how many weeks they worked during the covered period. Final payouts may change based on how many claims are approved.
The settlement applies to hourly workers employed at the franchise’s locations dating back to March 8, 2014.
Most eligible employees were already notified and included automatically for the base payment. Those who want to opt out must do so by January 7, 2026. Those who want to claim the higher payment must submit a claim form by March 8, 2026.
A final court hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2026 at the Multnomah County Courthouse. Payments will be issued once the court grants final approval.
Source: UTB Goldenband Class Action