Can’t pay rent in chicken sandwiches.

Pay people actual money for the work they do. And everyone wonders why there is an employment problem in this country – if we must have capitalism, then businesses must, you know, uphold their end of the social contract.

FLSA may disagree with you a bit. An internship at a fast food restaurant window?? It is illegal in NC for employers to want workers to work for free. You might be able to get away with it, screwing around with terms, but with a smart labor lawyer, you could also get sued. The outcome of this practice should be interesting.

I hope you’re right. I do think they’re doing the right thing, especially now, in the extreme heat. The drinks they are providing, alone, with the hydration, calories, plus whatever electrolytes or other nutrition they may provide, could be life-saving.

I don’t think so. Taco Bell isn’t actively soliciting volunteers–it’s using a creative method for defusing a potentially serious situation (see OSHA’s take on homeless populations and site security). Plus, I would think allowances should be made for basic humanity and common practice. The idea of giving someone a hot meal in exchange for some minor work is as old as humanity. Bringing people in to work shifts in exchange for what amounts to scrip (most of which will almost certainly never be redeemed) is something else entirely.

I think it’s a great idea and plenty of people would do it. But it’s still illegal. And I would have called it out in every single business that does this.

Actually illegal everywhere.

Applauded, perhaps, but still illegal, even if it’s a pretty good deal financially for the employee.

Strictly speaking, 5 $5 sandwiches for an hour’s “volunteering” is the equivalent of $25/hour. Doesn’t cost the restaurant that much, but that’s the dollar value to the “volunteer.” Not that bad a deal.

(But it’s still illegal.)