McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement: McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement is turning heads — especially if you ever flipped burgers, ran a register, or mopped the floors at a McDonald’s in Oregon and didn’t get paid for all your time. This guide is built for you — whether you’re a worker wondering if you qualify, an HR professional, or just someone trying to stay informed. This isn’t legal mumbo jumbo — it’s a friendly, professional breakdown of what the case is, who it affects, and how to get your hands on your fair share (if you qualify). With key dates, expert insights, FAQs, and step-by-step instructions, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do.
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McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement
The McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement is a victory for hourly workers who deserve every penny they earn. If you worked for one of the affected Oregon McDonald’s franchises, now is your chance to claim money that was unfairly withheld. With key deadlines set for 2026, don’t wait until the last minute. It’s your time, your money, and your right. File that claim, tell your friends who might qualify, and help spread the word. You worked hard — now it’s time to get paid what you’re owed.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $3.55 million |
| Who’s Covered | Hourly workers at Oregon McDonald’s franchises run by UTB Enterprises LLC or Goldenband LLC |
| Time Period | On or after March 8, 2014 |
| Key Violation | Unpaid short meal breaks (less than 30 minutes) |
| Estimated Payments | $31–$872, depending on weeks worked |
| Claim Deadline | March 8, 2026 |
| Opt-out / Objection Deadline | January 7, 2026 |
| Final Court Hearing | March 27, 2026 |
| Official Claim Website | https://utbgoldenbandclassaction.com |
What’s McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement about, Really?
Let’s start with the core issue: unpaid breaks.
Under Oregon law, if you work more than 6 hours, you’re entitled to a meal break. But here’s the kicker — if that break is less than 30 minutes, your employer must pay you for that time.
The lawsuit claims that employees at McDonald’s locations operated by UTB Enterprises LLC and Goldenband LLC weren’t paid for those short breaks. And that, according to the lawsuit, is a violation of both Oregon state labor law and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
While the companies denied wrongdoing, they agreed to a $3.55 million settlement to resolve the claims. And now, if you worked at one of these locations — you may be entitled to a chunk of that money.
Why It Matters: Not Just a McDonald’s Issue
This isn’t just about fries and registers. It’s about worker rights nationwide. Across the fast-food industry, workers often don’t realize they’re being short-changed.
- A few minutes here and there adds up.
- Multiply that across hundreds or thousands of employees — and you get a class action.
- And those class actions? They’re a major way to enforce workers’ rights and change corporate behavior.
In short: this case matters because you should be paid for every minute you work. Period.
Who’s Eligible to File a McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement Claim?
To qualify for a payout from the settlement fund, all the following must apply:
- You worked at a McDonald’s franchise in Oregon operated by UTB Enterprises LLC or Goldenband LLC.
- You were employed on or after March 8, 2014.
- You were an hourly (non-exempt) employee.
- You took meal breaks shorter than 30 minutes that were unpaid during shifts of 6 hours or more.
If all of these describe your situation, you’re likely a class member and can submit a claim.
What Stores Are Included?
This settlement only covers franchises owned by UTB Enterprises and Goldenband LLC. That means if you worked at a corporate-owned McDonald’s or at a different franchise operator, you’re not included in this case.
If you’re unsure who operated your store, here’s what to do:
- Check your old pay stubs — look at the company name listed as your employer.
- Ask former coworkers or managers.
- Look up franchise ownership on the Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry.
What’s the Problem With Short Breaks?
Under ORS 653.261 and the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must follow specific rules for break time:
- Meal breaks of 30 minutes or more are unpaid — that’s legal.
- But if an employer requires or allows breaks that are under 30 minutes, they must pay for that time.
Why? Because a 10- to 20-minute break usually doesn’t allow you to truly rest, leave the premises, or be fully relieved of duty. And if you’re still “on call,” answering customers, or doing cleanup, that’s considered work time.
So, this lawsuit claims that McDonald’s franchisees broke the law by not paying workers during short meal breaks.
How Much Can You Get?
The payout depends on:
- How many people submit claims
- How many eligible workweeks you had
- Your total unpaid break time
Roughly, here’s what payouts might look like:
| Eligible Work Weeks | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|
| 0–10 weeks | $31.14 |
| 11–25 weeks | $100–$300 |
| 26–52+ weeks | Up to $872.49 or more |
Important: The fewer the claims, the bigger the payout per person. But you must submit a valid claim to receive anything.
McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement Claim Deadlines You Need to Know
Don’t snooze on these dates:
- Claim Deadline: March 8, 2026 — this is the last day to file your claim form.
- Opt-Out Deadline: January 7, 2026 — if you want to sue separately or not be part of the settlement.
- Objection Deadline: January 7, 2026 — if you want to object to any part of the settlement.
- Final Approval Hearing: March 27, 2026 — when a judge decides whether to finalize the deal.
No extensions. No late claims. This is the law.
How to File a McDonald’s $3.55 million meal break settlement Claim — Step-by-Step
Here’s how to get what’s yours:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Did you work at an affected franchise? Did you get unpaid breaks under 30 minutes? If yes, move to Step 2.
Step 2: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Go to: https://utbgoldenbandclassaction.com
That’s where all forms and updates are posted.
Step 3: Fill Out the Claim Form
Include:
- Full name and contact info
- Employment dates
- Store location
- Estimate of qualifying work weeks
You do not need to include timecards or pay stubs — the claims administrator verifies info with employer records.
Step 4: Submit the Form
Online submission is recommended, but mail works too (details on the website).
Step 5: Save Confirmation
Keep a digital copy or printout for your records.
How Long Until I Get Paid?
That depends on:
- How many people file claims
- Whether there are legal objections
- Whether the judge grants final approval in March 2026
If everything goes smoothly, payments might go out later in 2026 — but that’s not guaranteed.
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What This Means for Employers?
Employers — especially franchise operators — should treat this case as a wake-up call. Even unintentional labor violations can lead to huge class actions. The best practices?
- Pay for any break under 30 minutes
- Keep clean, auditable time records
- Train managers on wage & hour laws
- Conduct routine payroll compliance audits
Avoiding legal trouble is easier than defending yourself in court.
The Bigger Picture: Fast-Food Workers & Wage Rights
McDonald’s isn’t the only brand in the spotlight. Similar lawsuits have been filed (and settled) against:
- Taco Bell
- Chipotle
- Popeyes
- Burger King
The takeaway? These cases expose how vulnerable hourly workers are when employers cut corners. And it shows why knowing your rights is powerful.
