Minnesota readers may be aware that Chipotle Mexican Grill has been facing troubles in recent months due to recurrent outbreaks of food-borne illness. In addition—and perhaps related—to these troubles is the fact that the chain has been dealing with a significant number of employment lawsuits in recent years.
Many of the lawsuits involve allegations of discrimination. Back in February, for instance, three former general managers of the restaurant won a wrongful termination lawsuit in which they claimed they had been fired on the basis of sex discrimination. The Cincinnati jury that heard the case awarded a total of $600,000. Another trial out in Cincinnati is set for April.
While it is true that every company has some potential exposure to employment litigation, Chipotle has been hit with a total of 115 federal employment lawsuits in the last five years. The company has been able to successfully defend itself from many of the claims, but remains embattled. Every company has the right, of course, to advance its own interests in the marketplace, but it must be held accountable for violations of employment laws.
For employees who have been subjected to mistreatment on the job, it isn’t always going to be clear immediately when a violation of employment law has occurred. Employees who suspect they have been subjected to mistreatment don’t necessarily need to know right away that they have a meritorious case. Consulting with an experienced employment law attorney is the best course of action, and will allow one to determine one’s legal options and the best way to move forward.