McDonald's operator admits to union-busting campaign
Canberra Times
May 4 2023

The former operator of a McDonald's franchise in SA threatened staff who had joined the union.   :(

The former operator of a McDonald's franchise in South Australia has agreed to pay $275,000 in fines and penalties to end court action over a long-running anti-union campaign among employees.

The Federal Court action was brought by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) and was settled after the former operators of the Murray Bridge outlet admitted breaching workplace rights by pressuring staff to stop being SDA members or to not join the union.



The breaches and admissions do not relate to the current operators of the fast food outlet, east of Adelaide, nor to McDonald's Australia.

The SDA said workers at Murray Bridge were threatened with demotion and cuts to hours if they remained members and a list of union members was posted on a noticeboard.   :(

The union said it believed the case was the first time a McDonald's store had admitted to a campaign to de-unionise its workforce.


"McDonald's Murray Bridge workers were bullied, intimidated and threatened because they stood up for themselves and their co-workers," SDA state secretary Josh Peak said.

"This attack on vulnerable, young workers cannot be tolerated."

Former McDonald's worker Heather Hammond said she witnessed senior management's campaign to keep workers out of the union and to punish those who joined.   :(



"I witnessed a McDonald's manager tell a worker that if she did not resign her SDA membership, she would be demoted," Ms Hammond said.

"I was pressured into resigning my union membership. They made me frightened I would lose my position as a supervisor."

ACTU President Michele O'Neil said the settlement reinforced the legal right of all workers to join a union.

"The case sends a strong signal to employers who attempt to intimidate or interfere with their workers' right to join and be part of a union that there are real consequences," Ms O'Neil said.

In a statement, the fast food company said no allegations were made against McDonald's Australia Ltd.


"This individual is no longer a franchisee within the McDonald's system. In fact, they left the McDonald's system in May 2021," the company said.

"McDonald's Australia does not accept or condone anti-union conduct within our business or franchisee-owned restaurants."

The company said it had clear policies in place to ensure franchisees, managers and employees complied with the Fair Work Act.

"We have a long history of collaborative relationships with unions, which includes an agreed approach for restaurant visitation and meeting with crew," it said.

The fine should have been double that, or there should have been a prison sentence imposed.

Moreover, the criminal involved should be named.

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 3:39pm:

The fine should have been double that, or there should have been a prison sentence imposed. Moreover, the criminal involved should be named.

Are you looking for this entity/individual?

https://franchiseexecutives.com.au/mcdonalds-franchise-faces-court-over-workers-rest-breaks/

Delbridge Investments, owned by Graham Delbridge, owns and operates the Murray Bridge, Rundle Mall East, and Trinity Gardens McDonald’s sites, and formerly owned the franchise at Cross Roads.

The case is on behalf of 55 current and former employees, and seeks thousands of dollars of compensation and penalties against Delbridge for breaching the McDonald’s agreement and the Fast Food Award.

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 3:39pm:

The fine should have been double that, or there should have been a prison sentence imposed. Moreover, the criminal involved should be named.

Found it:

The franchise was run by Delbridge Investments, owned by Graham Delbridge.

Delbridge was also taken to federal court for not giving his McDonald's employees their paid rest breaks.

Lisa Jones wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 3:49pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4th, 2023 at 3:39pm: The fine should have been double that, or there should have been a prison sentence imposed. Moreover, the criminal involved should be named. Are you looking for this entity/individual? https://franchiseexecutives.com.au/mcdonalds-franchise-faces-court-over-workers-rest-breaks/ Delbridge Investments, owned by Graham Delbridge, owns and operates the Murray Bridge, Rundle Mall East, and Trinity Gardens McDonald’s sites, and formerly owned the franchise at Cross Roads. The case is on behalf of 55 current and former employees, and seeks thousands of dollars of compensation and penalties against Delbridge for breaching the McDonald’s agreement and the Fast Food Award.

You beat me to it   ;)

Spread his name far and wide.

Delbridge Investments, owned by Graham Delbridge

https://publishednotices.asic.gov.au/browsesearch-notices/notice-details/Graham-Delbridge-and-Associates-Pty-Ltd-079844376/ee6c771a-8598-48cd-934f-0a11add450c2

The guy’s also a failed businessman 😩

👆 Is that him??

IF so THEN guess what Greggary....he’s in Perth!!!!

https://au.linkedin.com/in/graham-delbridge-56575931

I MAY be wrong about it but IF it’s the same bloke it wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Lisa Jones wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 3:59pm:

https://publishednotices.asic.gov.au/browsesearch-notices/notice-details/Graham-Delbridge-and-Associates-Pty-Ltd-079844376/ee6c771a-8598-48cd-934f-0a11add450c2 The guy’s also a failed businessman 😩

No surprises there.

Graham Delbridge & Associates Pty Ltd
ACN:      079 844 376

We let these people waste the planets oxygen. Not sure why.

Lisa Jones wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 3:59pm:

https://publishednotices.asic.gov.au/browsesearch-notices/notice-details/Graham-Delbridge-and-Associates-Pty-Ltd-079844376/ee6c771a-8598-48cd-934f-0a11add450c2 The guy’s also a failed businessman 😩 👆 Is that him?? IF so THEN guess what Greggary....he’s in Perth!!!! https://au.linkedin.com/in/graham-delbridge-56575931 I MAY be wrong about it but IF it’s the same bloke it wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Looks like it's him.

Living up in the affluent coastal suburb of Ocean Reef.

Well his name is everywhere then. Why? Because he’s now a public figure compliments of his own revolting behaviour.

I feel so sorry for those former employees. What they must have gone through .... just to be paid appropriately!

Most if not all of these employees are school or Uni students trying to earn a bit of money to keep going. The rest are mums from what I’ve seen trying to work shifts around their young families.

Only a real DHEAD would take advantage of such people AND think he/she could get away with it.

Now we ALL know that Graham Delbridge successfully met the essential criteria for being THAT DHEAD!

So - when's the last time anyone here had a big mac or a 1/4 pounder?

Quote:

McDonald's Admits To Union Busting Campaign

Except it is not actually McDonalds is it? Or even an employee of McDonalds?

The Unions are not good at much, but one thing they are good at is clickbait.

freediver wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 5:33pm:

Quote: McDonald's Admits To Union Busting Campaign Except it is not actually McDonalds is it?

No.

It's just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sell items from the McDonald's menu.

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 6:26pm:

freediver wrote on May 4th, 2023 at 5:33pm: Quote: McDonald's Admits To Union Busting Campaign Except it is not actually McDonalds is it? No. It's just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sell items from the McDonald's menu.

Ah. The building admitted to the union busting campaign.

freediver wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 7:33pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4th, 2023 at 6:26pm: freediver wrote on May 4th, 2023 at 5:33pm: Quote: McDonald's Admits To Union Busting Campaign Except it is not actually McDonalds is it? No. It's just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sell items from the McDonald's menu. Ah. The building admitted to the union busting campaign.

I'm agreeing with you, FD.

This has nothing to do with McDonald's.

It's just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sell items from the McDonald's menu.

The thread title could quite as easily have been "KFC Admits To Union Busting Campaign".

Quote:

I'm agreeing with you, FD.

You rarely have the courage to speak plainly Greg.

freediver wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 9:06pm:

Quote: I'm agreeing with you, FD. You rarely have the courage to speak plainly Greg.

Take the win, FD.

This has nothing to do with McDonald's.

It's plainly just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sell items from the McDonald's menu.

freediver wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 5:33pm:

Quote: McDonald's Admits To Union Busting Campaign Except it is not actually McDonalds is it? Or even an employee of McDonalds? The Unions are not good at much, but one thing they are good at is clickbait.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8182955/mcdonalds-operator-admits-to-union-busting-campaign/#:~:text=The%20former%20operator%20of%20a%20McDonald's%20franchise%20in%20South%20Australia,anti%2Dunion%20campaign%20among%20employees.

The topic title here on OzPol is misleading.

The actual article had a different title.

I’ve now changed the title of the topic with this post.

He's not actually a "McDonalds Operator" either. Not any more.

Not that Greg has any concern for the truth, only the correct spin.

freediver wrote on May 5^th, 2023 at 6:04pm:

He's not actually a "McDonalds Operator" either. Not any more.

Indeed.

He had nothing to do with McDonald's.

It was just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sold items from the McDonald's menu.

Our little pinks are more creative than Greg.

freediver wrote on May 5^th, 2023 at 6:08pm:

Our little pinks are more creative than Greg.

You win, FD.

It was just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sold items from the McDonald's menu.

Nothing whatsoever to do with McDonald's.

freediver wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 7:33pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4th, 2023 at 6:26pm: freediver wrote on May 4th, 2023 at 5:33pm: Quote: McDonald's Admits To Union Busting Campaign Except it is not actually McDonalds is it? No. It's just a McDonald's franchise, operating in a McDonald's store, adhering to strict McDonald's standards & procedures, hiring people to wear McDonald's uniforms who then sell items from the McDonald's menu. Ah. The building admitted to the union busting campaign.

Are you fairdinkum?

That's a monumental load of shyte statement.

A franchise is like a lease agreement .... the franchisee is still representing McDonalds.

His business decisions have reflected badly on McDonalds.

Do you condone his behaviour & business model? ::)

Quote:

the franchisee is still representing McDonalds

He is not a franchisee any more.

Stop lying.

freediver wrote on May 5^th, 2023 at 6:04pm:

He's not actually a "McDonalds Operator" either. Not any more. Not that Greg has any concern for the truth, only the correct spin.

Yep. That’s true.

From the link in my previous post.

The former operator of a McDonald's franchise in South Australia has agreed to pay $275,000 in fines and penalties to end court action over a long-running anti-union campaign among employees.

I’ve changed the title of the topic (again).

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4^th, 2023 at 3:39pm:

...Moreover, the criminal involved should be named.

According to the SDA, the operator's name was Graham Delbridge.

Lisa Jones wrote on May 5^th, 2023 at 8:02pm:

freediver wrote on May 5th, 2023 at 6:04pm: He's not actually a "McDonalds Operator" either. Not any more. Not that Greg has any concern for the truth, only the correct spin. Yep. That’s true. From the link in my previous post. The former operator of a McDonald's franchise in South Australia has agreed to pay $275,000 in fines and penalties to end court action over a long-running anti-union campaign among employees. I’ve changed the title of the topic (again).

You cannot trust union stooges like WK. You don't know what they will sacrifice for the cause.

freediver wrote on May 5^th, 2023 at 7:54pm:

Quote: the franchisee is still representing McDonalds He is not a franchisee any more. Stop lying.

No the franchises have been taken from him ... as a punishment.

Who's lying?

Why are you standing up for this POS?

Gnads wrote on May 6^th, 2023 at 9:08am:

freediver wrote on May 5th, 2023 at 7:54pm: Quote: the franchisee is still representing McDonalds He is not a franchisee any more. Stop lying. No the franchises have been taken from him ... as a punishment. Who's lying? Why are you standing up for this POS?

What makes you think I am standing up for him?

freediver wrote on May 6^th, 2023 at 9:12am:

Gnads wrote on May 6th, 2023 at 9:08am: freediver wrote on May 5th, 2023 at 7:54pm: Quote: the franchisee is still representing McDonalds He is not a franchisee any more. Stop lying. No the franchises have been taken from him ... as a punishment. Who's lying? Why are you standing up for this POS? What makes you think I am standing up for him?

Well what is it exactly that you're trying to do?

Finish your Masters in Pedantics? ..... yes?

Gnads wrote on May 6^th, 2023 at 11:00am:

freediver wrote on May 6th, 2023 at 9:12am: Gnads wrote on May 6th, 2023 at 9:08am: freediver wrote on May 5th, 2023 at 7:54pm: Quote: the franchisee is still representing McDonalds He is not a franchisee any more. Stop lying. No the franchises have been taken from him ... as a punishment. Who's lying? Why are you standing up for this POS? What makes you think I am standing up for him? Well what is it exactly that you're trying to do? Finish your Masters in Pedantics? ..... yes?

I thought I made it pretty obvious in my first post.

freediver wrote on May 6^th, 2023 at 11:02am:

Gnads wrote on May 6th, 2023 at 11:00am: freediver wrote on May 6th, 2023 at 9:12am: Gnads wrote on May 6th, 2023 at 9:08am: freediver wrote on May 5th, 2023 at 7:54pm: Quote: the franchisee is still representing McDonalds He is not a franchisee any more. Stop lying. No the franchises have been taken from him ... as a punishment. Who's lying? Why are you standing up for this POS? What makes you think I am standing up for him? Well what is it exactly that you're trying to do? Finish your Masters in Pedantics? ..... yes? I thought I made it pretty obvious in my first post.

Yeah well you know what thought did?

Did it go back and read it?

AusGeoff wrote on May 5^th, 2023 at 8:46pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on May 4th, 2023 at 3:39pm: ...Moreover, the criminal involved should be named. According to the SDA, the operator's name was Graham Delbridge.

Yep.

The franchise was run by Delbridge Investments, owned by Graham Delbridge.