Chipotle's management practices lead to food safety risks, according to 47 current and past employees
Trending News
47 current and former workers at Chipotle Mexican Grill locations across New York City say that the restaurant chain's managerial practices, including pay bonus programs, cleanliness audits, and sick leave policy, put food safety at risk.
In a report provided to Business Insider by the National Consumers League and the Service Employees International Union, workers said that bonuses paid to restaurant managers are based on performance goals "that include minimizing labor costs," creating a "highly pressurized environment." That pressure can lead to "cutting corners on food safety," workers said. Bloomberg previously reported on the workers' allegations on February 5.Chipotle told Business Insider that proper food safety procedures are a requirement for its bonus programs, and that the company is "committed to a culture of food safety in our restaurants where employees are supported and heard."
The fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain's sick-leave policy, which the report said allows three paid sick days per year but prevents employees from working within three days of experiencing symptoms like vomiting, encourages employees to work while sick, the workers said.Workers also raised concerns about lack of training, understaffing, and aging equipment.
Chipotle said it will investigate each allegation from the report. Employees are encouraged to contact the company directly with concerns immediately and have access to an anonymous 800-number to provide information, Chipotle said. The complaints from workers come as Chipotle has struggled to overcome skittish consumers since two E. coli outbreaks at the restaurant chain in 2015 and 2016.Copyright © 2021. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.
Next