Labor Partners Address Dunkin' Donuts Independent Franchise Owners on Labor and Employment Issues

Partners John R. Vreeland and Patrick W. McGovern, and Associate Joseph V. Manney, of the firm’s Labor Law Practice Group, this week addressed an audience from the organization Dunkin' Donuts Independent Franchise Owners, ranging from single unit owners to large multi-unit franchisees. The attorneys discussed topics of special interest to franchisees in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut including the Affordable Care Act and obligations under the FLSA. Wage and hour issues are of special interest to franchisees in the wake of a recent settlement by the owner of seven McDonald's franchises with the New York State Attorney General for nearly $500,000 to resolve fast-food workers' claim they were shorted on pay, Mr. Vreeland, Director of the firm’s Wage & Hour Compliance Practice Group, advises clients on payroll methodology and record keeping practices to ensure they are in compliance with federal and state law. Mr. McGovern, who leads the firm's Employee Benefits Practice Group, advises clients on compliance with the Affordable Care Act, which takes full effect in January 2015 and 2016, as well as federal and state employee benefits laws.