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Five Chicago McDonald’s Workers File Suit Over Alleged PPE Shortcomings


On Tuesday, five Chicago McDonald’s workers filed suit and sought class action status over a claim they were not provided adequate personal protective equipment (“PPE”), were not allowed to social distance at work, and were not provided notice when coworkers tested positive for the coronavirus.

Readers will likely recall that sick outs and related strikes have been commonplace the past few months as workers across the country have sought better protections (or even just some protections) against contracting the coronavirus in the workplace.  In this particular suit, the workers at company owned and franchisee location McDonald’s claim that they were given masks to wear at work but routinely had to reuse the same ones.  Other workers apparently were not even given any PPE.  As well, while some managers were allowed to take time off, the workers claim they were not afforded the same leave nor were they allowed to take time off when coworkers tested positive for the coronavirus. 

The allegations have been disputed but something tells me the is likely the first of many coronavirus related suits against employers that we will see over the coming weeks and months.


For additional information:  https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-chicago-mcdonalds-lawsuit-workers-ppe-20200519-far75d4tuvfehnhbmn2a4i4kzy-story.html

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