$3.55M McDonald’s employee meal breaks class action settlement

UTB Enterprises and Goldenband LLC agreed to a $3.55 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims they failed to pay McDonald’s employees for short meal breaks.

The settlement benefits individuals who worked as hourly employees at a McDonald’s franchise location operated by UTB Enterprises or Goldenband since March 8, 2014, and who had a meal period of less than 30 minutes during a six-hour shift that was not paid.

Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit accused UTB Enterprises and Goldenband of violating Oregon law by failing to pay McDonald’s employees for short meal breaks. Under Oregon law, employees are entitled to be paid for short meal breaks.

UTB Enterprises and Goldenband LLC are franchisees of McDonald’s restaurants.

The defendants have not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $3.55 million class action settlement to resolve the allegations.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a cash payment based on the number of eligible workweeks they worked during the class period.

Class members who worked 0 to 10 eligible workweeks can receive $31.14. Class members who worked 11 or more eligible workweeks can receive $872.49. Exact payment amounts may vary.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Jan. 7, 2026.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for March 27, 2026.

To receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by March 8, 2026.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who worked as hourly employees at a McDonald’s franchise location operated by UTB Enterprises, Goldenband, Donald D. Armstrong or Lori Armstrong since March 8, 2014, and had a meal period of less than 30 minutes during a six-hour shift that was not paid.

Potential Award

Up to $872.49

Proof of Purchase

Class members who wish to submit a claim for additional payment must provide information about their employment, including the dates of employment, the McDonald’s location where they worked and the hours they worked.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

03/08/2026

Case Name

South, et al. v. Armstrong, et al., Case No. 20CV29671, in the Circuit Court of Oregon of Multnomah County

Final Hearing

03/27/2026

Settlement Website

UTBGoldenbandClassAction.com

Claims Administrator

South v. Armstrong
Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 5129
Portland, OR 97208-5129
[email protected]
833-419-0987

Class Counsel

Jon M. Egan
JON M. EGAN P.C.

Defense Counsel

Sean P. Ray
BARRAN LIEBMAN LLP