Statement From McDonald’s Australia

McDonald’s strongly denies it has ever engaged in any practice amounting to ‘wage theft’.

McDonald's restaurants have always complied with applicable instruments, provided rest breaks to employees and were consistent with historic working arrangements.

Those arrangements have been known to the SDA for many years. The manner of taking breaks has not been challenged or raised by the SDA as a matter of concern throughout successive enterprise bargaining processes for new industrial agreements.  

Seen in this context, the current claims are both surprising and disappointing.  

We are very mindful of our obligations under applicable employment laws, including the former enterprise agreement and the Fast Food Industry Award, and continue to work closely with our licensees and restaurants to ensure employees receive all correct workplace entitlements and pay.

We value our employees highly and the great contribution they make to the success of the business.  

Accordingly, McDonald's Australia intends to fully defend the claim.