“We are looking for volunteers for our new Drive Thru Express!” the store wrote. “Earn five free entrees per shift (1 hr) worked. Message us for details.”
According to reports, the volunteer program has since been discontinued.
A Chick-fil-A spokesperson said, “Most restaurants are individually owned and operated, and it was a program at an individually owned restaurant,” adding that Chick-fil-A, Inc did not endorse the program.
The store has since been accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) due to offering an alternative form of payment. This federal law ensures employees are compensated for all hours worked.
“Generally, labeling a worker as a ‘volunteer’ will not remove the employer from its FLSA obligation to pay the required wages if that individual performs work that benefits the for-profit entity,” Haigwood said.
“Usually a win-win for us and the volunteer who gets free Chick-fil-A!” the store wrote. “That way, our team can focus on serving the guests in what we do best.”
“As a result, there’s an expression of desire from the community to be more a part of what that brand is doing,” said the store manager. “We get people all the time that want to be a part of what we’re doing. This is designed to be an opportunity for that.”
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