How McDonald's Workers Can File Federal Wage Complaints

Federal guidance lays out a clear pathway for McDonald’s employees and other restaurant workers who believe they have been shorted on pay or denied required overtime or meal and rest periods. Complaints to the Wage and Hour Division are confidential and there is no fee to file. Workers can call 1-866-4US-WAGE, that is 1-866-487-9243, or contact a local Wage and Hour Division office through the agency website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints.

The guidance advises employees to gather payroll records, timecards, schedules and any other documentation that shows hours worked and pay received before filing a complaint. It also explains the Fair Labor Standards Act statute of limitations for most claims is two years, and three years for willful violations, a distinction that can affect how far back an investigation can seek unpaid wages.

The Wage and Hour Division outlines anti retaliation protections for workers who complain about wages. Investigations typically include an initial conference, private interviews with employees, a review of employer records, and a final conference to discuss findings. The agency provides multilingual resources and informational flyers to help non English speaking workers understand their rights and the complaint process.

For McDonald’s employees this resource provides an accessible government option outside of internal company complaint channels or private litigation. Filing a complaint can trigger a review of payroll practices at a restaurant or by a franchisee, and can lead to recovery of unpaid wages if violations are found. The existence of a confidential, no cost filing option can also shift workplace dynamics by making it easier for workers to report problems without fear of immediate consequences.

Managers and franchise owners should note the emphasis on record keeping, because employee schedules and payroll records are central to investigations. Workers preparing to contact the Wage and Hour Division will be better positioned if they collect pay stubs, time records and schedules before they call. The agency’s multilingual materials can help employees navigate the process and understand their protections.