McDonald's UTB Enterprises Franchise Class Action Settlement
What Is the McDonald’s Franchise Meal Break Settlement About?
This class action lawsuit, South et al. v. Armstrong et al., alleges that certain McDonald’s franchise operators - UTB Enterprises, LLC, Goldenband, LLC, Donald D. Armstrong, and Lori Armstrong-violated Oregon wage-and-hour laws.
The lawsuit claims that hourly employees were scheduled for six-hour shifts, received meal periods of less than 30 minutes, and were not paid for those shortened meal breaks, as required under Oregon law. The defendants deny any wrongdoing. The parties reached a settlement to resolve these claims without continuing litigation.
How Much Is the McDonald’s Franchise Settlement Payout?
Eligible Class Members are entitled to a guaranteed cash payment, even if no action is taken, and may qualify for additional compensation if they submit a valid claim:
- Guaranteed payment (no claim required): approximately $31.14
- Additional claimable payment (with a claim): up to approximately $872.49 for eligible Class Members
The final payout amount will vary based on how recently your employment occurred and whether you submit a valid Claim Form.
Am I Eligible to File a Claim?
You may be eligible if you:
- Worked as an hourly employee at a McDonald’s franchise location operated by UTB Enterprises, LLC, Goldenband, LLC, Donald D. Armstrong, or Lori Armstrong
- Worked at any time after March 8, 2014
- Had a meal period shorter than 30 minutes during a six-hour shift
- Were not paid for that shortened meal period
Is the McDonald’s Franchise Settlement Legit?
Yes. The McDonald’s franchise meal break settlement is legitimate, and the official settlement website has been authorized by the Circuit Court of Oregon for Multnomah County. Class Members can use the authorized website to submit a claim, review settlement documents, learn more about the South v. Armstrong settlement, or contact the Settlement Administrator for assistance.
When’s the Claim Deadline?
You must submit a McDonald’s franchise settlement claim form online or by mail by March 8, 2026 to be eligible for any additional claimable payment beyond the guaranteed amount.
Other important dates include:
- Deadline to Object: January 7, 2026
- Fairness Hearing: March 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Who Qualifies for the McDonald’s Franchise Settlement?
The McDonald’s franchise class action settlement covers hourly employees who worked at McDonald’s franchise locations operated by UTB Enterprises, LLC, Goldenband, LLC, Donald D. Armstrong, or Lori Armstrong after March 8, 2014, and who were not paid for meal periods of less than 30 minutes during six-hour shifts.
How Do I File a McDonald’s Franchise Settlement Claim Form?
To submit a McDonald’s franchise settlement claim form, visit the official settlement website and select “Submit a Claim.”
To file a claim online, you may need the unique class member ID provided in the Notice of Pending Class Action and Proposed Settlement that was mailed to you. If you did not receive a settlement notice or do not have a class member ID, you can still download a paper Claim Form and submit it by mail, email, or fax to the Settlement Administrator before the March 8, 2026 deadline.
