The SDA and other applicants in the KFC Rest Breaks Class Action have reached a binding agreement with KFC and a large number of KFC franchisee employers to settle the case for up to $28.8 million, subject to approval by the Federal Court of Australia.
If approved by the Court, eligible current and former KFC employees will be able to claim compensation.
What is the KFC Rest Breaks Class Action?
This case was commenced in late 2023 by Gordon Legal and the SDA together with a number of current and former KFC workers. The case alleges that many KFC workers were not provided with the paid 10-minute rest breaks they were entitled to under their enterprise agreements or the Fast Food Industry Award.
Rest breaks are an important workplace entitlement. They exist to ensure workers have a short period during their shift to rest, recover, and work safely and effectively.
The SDA pursued the case to ensure that workers receive compensation where these entitlements were not provided, and to reinforce the importance of employers complying with workplace laws and respecting your entitlements.
Who does the Class Action cover?
The case covers workers who worked at a KFC restaurant at any time between October 2017 and December 2023 and who may not have received these paid rest breaks during qualifying shifts.
What do KFC workers need to do?
If you worked at a KFC restaurant at any time between October 2017 and December 2023 and want to participate in the settlement, you must register.
If this affects you, you will be notified about how and when you must register. Keep an eye out for an email with this information, or contact the SDA if you have any questions.
Workers must register in order to be eligible to receive compensation under the settlement scheme. If you do not register, you will not be entitled to a payment.
This was only possible thanks to union members.
Cases like this are only possible because workers stood together and the SDA has the resources to investigate workplace issues and hold employers accountable.