Fast-food giant McDonald's announced on Monday it is suing former CEO Steve Easterbrook for lying about allegedly inappropriate sexual relationships with employees.

McDonald's sues former C.E.O Steve Easterbrook

An international group of labour unions said Monday it has filed a complaint against McDonald's for what it called systematic sexual harassment at the fast-food chain's restaurants around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customer-shoots-mcdonalds-employee-after-being-told-to-leave-due-to-coronavirus-restrictions-297394">Also read: Customer shoots McDonald's employee after being told to leave due to coronavirus restrictions</a>

The complaint, filed at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)'s offices in the Netherlands, was the first of its kind to target a multinational company, its authors said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mcdonalds-misses-profit-target-as-competition-delivers-breakfast-plant-burgers-257623">Also read: McDonald's misses profit target as competition delivers breakfast, plant burgers</a>

"McDonald's workers have sounded the alarm about sexual harassment and gender-based violence for years, but a company with a culture rotten from the top has failed to take meaningful action to address the problem," Sue Longley, general secretary of the International Union of Food Workers, said in a statement.

"Because McDonald's has neglected to act to create a safe workplace, the Dutch government should make use of this complaint to empower workers to effectively address the rampant harassment they face under the Golden Arches," she said.

The complaint also targets two investment banks, APG Asset Management of the Netherlands and Norges Bank of Norway, which together have holdings worth $1.7 billion in the food giant.

The complainants noted that the OECD's guidelines "require due diligence by institutional shareholders in companies to ensure responsible business conduct."

The unions said it was the "first-ever complaint brought to the OECD to aim systematic sexual harassment at a multinational company."

'McDonald's culture'

The document cites witness testimony of "attempted rape, indecent exposure, groping, and sexual offers."&nbsp;

It said the victims, some as young as 16, "said they were ignored, mocked, or punished when they reported it. Some had their hours cut back and others were fired."

It also cited cases of "touching, forced kissing and other forms of unwanted bodily contact" in branches of the food chain in numerous countries including the United States, Britain, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and France, among others.

In France, it cited a case in which a McDonald's manager allegedly "installed a cellphone camera in the women's changing room, and secretly filmed young women changing their clothes."

"Gender-based violence and harassment is part of McDonald's culture," the complaint alleged.

McDonald's said in a statement it would review the complaint when it had received it, stressing that the food giant is a "people-first company.

"There is a deeply important conversation around safe and respectful workplaces in communities throughout the US and around the world," the company said.&nbsp;

"Around the world, we believe that McDonald's and its business partners have a responsibility to take action on this issue and are committed to promoting positive change," it added.

Last year, the firm fired its CEO, Steve Easterbrook, for having a consensual relationship with a member of staff in violation of company policy.

The complaint will be examined by the Dutch government, which has up to three months to decide whether to launch a process of mediation with the company.

The OECD does not have the power to fine or penalize the company, said Lance Compa, an expert on international labour law.

But the complainants hope mediation "could lead to an agreement and a template for McDonald's operations around the world," and in particular to allow "workers to bring their own experiences and ideas to the table to help shape policies to combat harassment and gender-based violence."

The unions, which include the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions and the Service Employees International Union of the United States and Canada, said they brought the case in the Netherlands because in the United States, where the company is headquartered, McDonald's "insists it has no responsibility for employment conditions, employment relations, or workplace abuses in the more than 90 per cent of its stores operated by franchisees."

The unions chose the Netherlands because it is the "nerve centre" of the fast-food giant's European operations, and also the headquarters of APG bank.&nbsp;

McDonald's is the largest restaurant chain in Europe, where it employs almost 500,000 people, 90 per cent of them working in franchises.

An international group of labour unions said Monday it has filed a complaint against McDonald's for what it called systematic sexual harassment at the fast-food chain's restaurants around the world.

An international group of labour unions said Monday it has filed a complaint against McDonald's for what it called systematic sexual harassment at the fast-food chain's restaurants around the world. Also read: Customer shoots McDonald's employee after being told to leave due to coronavirus restrictions The complaint, filed at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)'s offices in the Netherlands, was the first of its kind to target a multinational company, its authors said. Also read: McDonald's misses profit target as competition delivers breakfast, plant burgers "McDonald's workers have sounded the alarm about sexual harassment and gender-based violence for years, but a company with a culture rotten from the top has failed to take meaningful action to address the problem," Sue Longley, general secretary of the International Union of Food Workers, said in a statement. "Because McDonald's has neglected to act to create a safe workplace, the Dutch government should make use of this complaint to empower workers to effectively address the rampant harassment they face under the Golden Arches," she said. The complaint also targets two investment banks, APG Asset Management of the Netherlands and Norges Bank of Norway, which together have holdings worth $1.7 billion in the food giant. The complainants noted that the OECD's guidelines "require due diligence by institutional shareholders in companies to ensure responsible business conduct." The unions said it was the "first-ever complaint brought to the OECD to aim systematic sexual harassment at a multinational company." 'McDonald's culture' The document cites witness testimony of "attempted rape, indecent exposure, groping, and sexual offers." It said the victims, some as young as 16, "said they were ignored, mocked, or punished when they reported it. Some had their hours cut back and others were fired." It also cited cases of "touching, forced kissing and other forms of unwanted bodily contact" in branches of the food chain in numerous countries including the United States, Britain, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and France, among others. In France, it cited a case in which a McDonald's manager allegedly "installed a cellphone camera in the women's changing room, and secretly filmed young women changing their clothes." "Gender-based violence and harassment is part of McDonald's culture," the complaint alleged. McDonald's said in a statement it would review the complaint when it had received it, stressing that the food giant is a "people-first company. "There is a deeply important conversation around safe and respectful workplaces in communities throughout the US and around the world," the company said. "Around the world, we believe that McDonald's and its business partners have a responsibility to take action on this issue and are committed to promoting positive change," it added. Last year, the firm fired its CEO, Steve Easterbrook, for having a consensual relationship with a member of staff in violation of company policy. The complaint will be examined by the Dutch government, which has up to three months to decide whether to launch a process of mediation with the company. The OECD does not have the power to fine or penalize the company, said Lance Compa, an expert on international labour law. But the complainants hope mediation "could lead to an agreement and a template for McDonald's operations around the world," and in particular to allow "workers to bring their own experiences and ideas to the table to help shape policies to combat harassment and gender-based violence." The unions, which include the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions and the Service Employees International Union of the United States and Canada, said they brought the case in the Netherlands because in the United States, where the company is headquartered, McDonald's "insists it has no responsibility for employment conditions, employment relations, or workplace abuses in the more than 90 per cent of its stores operated by franchisees." The unions chose the Netherlands because it is the "nerve centre" of the fast-food giant's European operations, and also the headquarters of APG bank. McDonald's is the largest restaurant chain in Europe, where it employs almost 500,000 people, 90 per cent of them working in franchises.

Sexual harassment ‘rampant’ at McDonald’s, international labour group tells OECD in complaint

Dealing with coronavirus is definitely tough. However, in such harsh times, a four-year-old's story has taken social media by storm.

Layla-Rae Charlton from Chelmsford in Essex, in a video shared by her mother, broke down in tears, when she got to know that her favourite eateries, McDonald's and KFC are shut down and not offering deliveries.&nbsp;

<img alt="Layla Charlton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed76f4bd-40ad-4e32-ab2d-828771fd2373" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4mtqTdo1.jpg" />

(Layla-Rae Charlton | Photo Credit: Kennedy News and Media)

In the video, Joanne Charlton, mother of Layla, told her daughter that Nando's and KFC are also closed. The already dejected Layla started crying after knowing this.

"Are Chinese (food outlets) closed too," the four-year-old said.&nbsp;

The mother replied that the Chinese eateries are also closed, adding that now she had to eat home-cooked food.&nbsp;

Layla's crying continued despite the consoling by Joanne.&nbsp;

"Pizza Hut is closed too," the mother further told her daughter.&nbsp;

Joanne, though considered the whole situation hilarious and called her daughter "drama queen" to share it with family and friends.&nbsp;

She posted the video on Facebook which received over 135,00 likes, comments, and shares.&nbsp;

The mother explained the incident that the little one got "bored" because of the isolation.

"I had been saying all day that we were going to have one last McDonald's and I thought I haven’t really been telling her why I kept saying that," Joanne said.&nbsp;

She said that she didn't want to lie to her kid about the pandemic.&nbsp;

"She knows Boris Johnson by now and she says to me 'mummy does Boris Johnson say we can go to the park today' and I tell her I'm going to have to speak to him to see what he says."

Joanne was explaining to her daughter why Johnson is shutting down places and when she got to know that McDonald would be closed for long, Layla started crying and the mother picked up her phone to record the video.&nbsp;

In the end, Joanne said, Layla "just cuddled me and then went upstairs to bed and called her nana".

Dealing with coronavirus is definitely tough. However, in such harsh times, a four-year-old's story has taken social media by storm. Layla-Rae Charlton from Chelmsford in Essex, in a video shared by her mother, broke down in tears, when she got to know that her favourite eateries, McDonald's and KFC are shut down and not offering deliveries.

Dealing with coronavirus is definitely tough. However, in such harsh times, a four-year-old's story has taken social media by storm. Layla-Rae Charlton from Chelmsford in Essex, in a video shared by her mother, broke down in tears, when she got to know that her favourite eateries, McDonald's and KFC are shut down and not offering deliveries. (Layla-Rae Charlton | Photo Credit: Kennedy News and Media) In the video, Joanne Charlton, mother of Layla, told her daughter that Nando's and KFC are also closed. The already dejected Layla started crying after knowing this. "Are Chinese (food outlets) closed too," the four-year-old said. The mother replied that the Chinese eateries are also closed, adding that now she had to eat home-cooked food. Layla's crying continued despite the consoling by Joanne. "Pizza Hut is closed too," the mother further told her daughter. Joanne, though considered the whole situation hilarious and called her daughter "drama queen" to share it with family and friends. She posted the video on Facebook which received over 135,00 likes, comments, and shares. The mother explained the incident that the little one got "bored" because of the isolation. "I had been saying all day that we were going to have one last McDonald's and I thought I haven’t really been telling her why I kept saying that," Joanne said. She said that she didn't want to lie to her kid about the pandemic. "She knows Boris Johnson by now and she says to me 'mummy does Boris Johnson say we can go to the park today' and I tell her I'm going to have to speak to him to see what he says." Joanne was explaining to her daughter why Johnson is shutting down places and when she got to know that McDonald would be closed for long, Layla started crying and the mother picked up her phone to record the video. In the end, Joanne said, Layla "just cuddled me and then went upstairs to bed and called her nana".

Four-year-old burst into tears as KFC, McDonald's shut down over coronavirus outbreak

McDonald's will add chicken sandwiches to its breakfast menu at all of its U.S. restaurants, the world's largest burger chain said on Tuesday (January 28), to fend off competition from Chick-Fil-A and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

McDonald's heats up breakfast war with new chicken sandwiches

January 04 in history: From the first aircraft close in on moon to a train accident that killed 307 in Pakistan

Today, watch in WION Wallet with Sumit Chaturvedi: 13 McDonald restaurant's workers file suit on it. Watch this complete video to find out more in detail.

WION Wallet: 13 McDonald restaurant's workers file suit on it

McDonald's Corp said that Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook was leaving the company, effective immediately, after a recent consensual relationship with an employee.

McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook asked to step down

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-earth-observation-satellite-risat-2b-220516">ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite RISAT-2B</a>

In a pre-dawn launch on Wednesday, Indian space agency ISRO scripted history by successfully launching earth observation satellite RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-painful-consequences-if-us-escalates-tensions-220517">Iran warns of 'painful consequences' if US escalates tensions</a>

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned the United States of "painful consequences for everybody" if there is an escalation in tensions with the Islamic republic.

Zarif also accused the US of "playing a very, very dangerous game" in an interview with CNN aired on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/at-nda-meeting-pm-modi-expresses-concern-over-needless-controversy-over-evms-by-opposition-220526">At NDA meeting, PM Modi expresses concern over 'needless controversy' over EVMs by opposition</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-forecasts-global-economy-to-grow-27-in-2019-29-in-2020-220522">UN forecasts global economy to grow 2.7% in 2019, 2.9% in 2020</a>

The United Nations on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for world economic growth, announcing that it expects overall growth of 2.7 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mcdonalds-faces-25-new-sexual-harassment-complaints-from-workers-220518">McDonald's faces 25 new sexual harassment complaints from workers</a>

McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite RISAT-2B In a pre-dawn launch on Wednesday, Indian space agency ISRO scripted history by successfully launching earth observation satellite RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others.

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite RISAT-2B In a pre-dawn launch on Wednesday, Indian space agency ISRO scripted history by successfully launching earth observation satellite RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others. Iran warns of 'painful consequences' if US escalates tensions Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned the United States of "painful consequences for everybody" if there is an escalation in tensions with the Islamic republic. Zarif also accused the US of "playing a very, very dangerous game" in an interview with CNN aired on Tuesday. At NDA meeting, PM Modi expresses concern over 'needless controversy' over EVMs by opposition Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again. UN forecasts global economy to grow 2.7% in 2019, 2.9% in 2020 The United Nations on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for world economic growth, announcing that it expects overall growth of 2.7 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2020. McDonald's faces 25 new sexual harassment complaints from workers McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mcdonalds-drops-several-items-from-menu-in-reopened-stores-in-india-220191">McDonald's Corp</a> was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

The cases announced by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the labour group Fight for $15, and the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund cover alleged misconduct at McDonald's locations in 20 US cities, including groping, indecent exposure, propositions for sex, and lewd comments.

McDonald's is one of the world's most recognizable brands, and the cases make the fast-food chain a primary target of a campaign to extend the #MeToo movement, which sprung from sexual harassment cases in Hollywood, to the workplace.

The Chicago-based company said it has more than 14,000 locations in the United States with some 850,000 workers.

More than 90 per cent of the locations are franchised, and McDonald's has long maintained it should not be liable for how employees in franchised restaurants behave.

Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook said his company has improved and more clearly defined its harassment policies, has trained most franchise owners, and will be training front-line employees and setting up a complaint hotline.

"McDonald's is sending a clear message that we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of trust where employees feel safe, valued and respected," Easterbrook wrote in letters this week to Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth and "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi, who supports the workers' cause.

The 25 cases include three new lawsuits, two by workers who previously filed charges, and charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

McDonald's has faced more than 50 such charges and lawsuits in the last three years, the ACLU said. Last September, McDonald's workers in 10 cities staged a one-day strike to protest alleged sexual harassment.

Jamelia Fairley, a single mother who makes $9.60 an hour at a corporate-owned McDonald's in Sanford, Florida, told reporters she went to the EEOC after a co-worker began groping her, rubbing against her and saying he could "give me a ride."

She said that after she reported the harassment, McDonald's transferred but did not fire her harasser, while her boss cut her weekly hours to seven from 25,

"Trying to raise a 2-year-old on $67 a week is, well, I can't do it," Fairley said.

Sharyn Tejani, director of the Time's Up fund, which is part of the National Women's Law Center, said having to put up with workplace harassment should not be a cost of making a living.

"For McDonald's, time is past up," she said.

McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up. The cases announced by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the labour group Fight for $15, and the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund cover alleged misconduct at McDonald's locations in 20 US cities, including groping, indecent exposure, propositions for sex, and lewd comments. McDonald's is one of the world's most recognizable brands, and the cases make the fast-food chain a primary target of a campaign to extend the #MeToo movement, which sprung from sexual harassment cases in Hollywood, to the workplace. The Chicago-based company said it has more than 14,000 locations in the United States with some 850,000 workers. More than 90 per cent of the locations are franchised, and McDonald's has long maintained it should not be liable for how employees in franchised restaurants behave. Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook said his company has improved and more clearly defined its harassment policies, has trained most franchise owners, and will be training front-line employees and setting up a complaint hotline. "McDonald's is sending a clear message that we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of trust where employees feel safe, valued and respected," Easterbrook wrote in letters this week to Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth and "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi, who supports the workers' cause. The 25 cases include three new lawsuits, two by workers who previously filed charges, and charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). McDonald's has faced more than 50 such charges and lawsuits in the last three years, the ACLU said. Last September, McDonald's workers in 10 cities staged a one-day strike to protest alleged sexual harassment. Jamelia Fairley, a single mother who makes $9.60 an hour at a corporate-owned McDonald's in Sanford, Florida, told reporters she went to the EEOC after a co-worker began groping her, rubbing against her and saying he could "give me a ride." She said that after she reported the harassment, McDonald's transferred but did not fire her harasser, while her boss cut her weekly hours to seven from 25, "Trying to raise a 2-year-old on $67 a week is, well, I can't do it," Fairley said. Sharyn Tejani, director of the Time's Up fund, which is part of the National Women's Law Center, said having to put up with workplace harassment should not be a cost of making a living. "For McDonald's, time is past up," she said.

McDonald's faces 25 new sexual harassment complaints from workers

American citizens traveling in Austria who find themselves in distress and can enter as of May 15, 2019 in any McDonald's in Austria, and staff will assist them in making contact with the U.S. Embassy for consular services. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: U.S. Embassy signs agreement with McD Austria

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-as-shutdown-bites-trump-invites-guests-to-feast-on-burgers-pizzas-french-fries-190375">McDonald</a>'s Corp has lost its rights to the trademark "Big Mac" in a European Union case ruling in favour of Ireland-based fast-food chain Supermac's, according to a decision by European regulators.

The judgment, provided to Reuters by Supermac's, revoked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-man-racially-abused-assaulted-by-teenagers-at-australias-mcdonalds-restaurant-13853">McDonald</a>'s registration of the trademark, saying that the world's largest fast-food chain had not proven genuine use of it over the five years prior to the case being lodged in 2017.

The Spain-based EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) did not respond to phone calls and emails requesting comment.

McDonald's was not immediately available to comment on the decision, which the company can still appeal.

The ruling allows other companies as well as McDonald's to use the "Big Mac" name in the EU.

Supermac's said it can now expand in the United Kingdom and Europe. It said it had never had a product called "Big Mac" but that McDonald's had used the similarity of the two names to block the Irish chain's expansion.

"Supermac's are delighted with their victory in the trademark application and in revoking the Big Mac trademark which had been in existence since 1996," founder Pat McDonagh told Reuters in an email.

"This is a great victory for business in general and stops bigger companies from "trademark bullying" by not allowing them to hoard trademarks without using them."

McDonald's, which sells its flagship "Big Mac" burgers internationally, submitted printouts of European websites as evidence, as well as posters, packaging, and affidavits from company representatives attesting to "Big Mac" sales in Europe.

The EUIPO said the affidavits from McDonald's needed to be supported by other types of evidence, and that the websites and other promotional materials did not provide that support.

From the website printouts "it could not be concluded whether, or how, a purchase could be made or an order could be placed," the EUIPO said. "Even if the websites provided such an option, there is no information of a single order being placed."

McDonald's has historically been "extremely litigious" in the area of trademark law and typically does not lose, said Willajeanne McLean, a law professor at the University of Connecticut.

In 1993, McDonald's won a court order blocking a dentist in New York from selling services under the name "McDental."

In 2016, McDonald's defeated an effort by a Singapore company to register ‘MACCOFFEE’ as an EU trademark. 
&nbsp;

McDonald's Corp has lost its rights to the trademark "Big Mac" in a European Union case ruling in favour of Ireland-based fast-food chain Supermac's, according to a decision by European regulators.

McDonald's Corp has lost its rights to the trademark "Big Mac" in a European Union case ruling in favour of Ireland-based fast-food chain Supermac's, according to a decision by European regulators. The judgment, provided to Reuters by Supermac's, revoked McDonald's registration of the trademark, saying that the world's largest fast-food chain had not proven genuine use of it over the five years prior to the case being lodged in 2017. The Spain-based EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) did not respond to phone calls and emails requesting comment. McDonald's was not immediately available to comment on the decision, which the company can still appeal. The ruling allows other companies as well as McDonald's to use the "Big Mac" name in the EU. Supermac's said it can now expand in the United Kingdom and Europe. It said it had never had a product called "Big Mac" but that McDonald's had used the similarity of the two names to block the Irish chain's expansion. "Supermac's are delighted with their victory in the trademark application and in revoking the Big Mac trademark which had been in existence since 1996," founder Pat McDonagh told Reuters in an email. "This is a great victory for business in general and stops bigger companies from "trademark bullying" by not allowing them to hoard trademarks without using them." McDonald's, which sells its flagship "Big Mac" burgers internationally, submitted printouts of European websites as evidence, as well as posters, packaging, and affidavits from company representatives attesting to "Big Mac" sales in Europe. The EUIPO said the affidavits from McDonald's needed to be supported by other types of evidence, and that the websites and other promotional materials did not provide that support. From the website printouts "it could not be concluded whether, or how, a purchase could be made or an order could be placed," the EUIPO said. "Even if the websites provided such an option, there is no information of a single order being placed." McDonald's has historically been "extremely litigious" in the area of trademark law and typically does not lose, said Willajeanne McLean, a law professor at the University of Connecticut. In 1993, McDonald's won a court order blocking a dentist in New York from selling services under the name "McDental." In 2016, McDonald's defeated an effort by a Singapore company to register ‘MACCOFFEE’ as an EU trademark.

McDonald's loses 'Big Mac' trademark case to Irish chain Supermac's

Fast food chain McDonald&#39;s said on Monday it planned to shut all 169 of its restaurants in India&#39;s northern and eastern regions, escalating a dispute with its local partner and potentially putting thousands of workers out of jobs.

The US&nbsp;company said it was &quot;compelled&quot; to take the action because its partner Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL) had breached the terms of their franchise agreements.

The decision by McDonald&#39;s India follows a prolonged legal dispute with the partner that had already led to the temporary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/43-out-of-55-mcdonalds-outlets-in-delhi-to-shut-shop-from-today-17410" target="_blank">shutdown of more than 40 outlets</a> starting in late June.

Vikram Bakshi, managing director of CPRL, told Reuters the decision came as a &quot;big shock&quot; and it was studying all its legal options.

Madhurima Bakshi, a member of CPRL&#39;s board, said McDonald&#39;s outlets in the region employed 6,500 people directly and many more indirectly.

All of the restaurants will have to stop using McDonald&#39;s name, trademarks, designs, branding, and recipes within 15 days of the termination notice, McDonald&#39;s said, adding it remained committed to northern and eastern India and had started looking for a new partner.

&quot;It will take time to bring the current situation to a final resolution,&quot; McDonald&#39;s said. It added it would try to mitigate the impact on employees, suppliers and landlords affected by the move.

The fast food giant alleged violation of contract by its partner as the reason for shutting down

Fast food chain McDonald's said on Monday it planned to shut all 169 of its restaurants in India's northern and eastern regions, escalating a dispute with its local partner and potentially putting thousands of workers out of jobs. The US company said it was "compelled" to take the action because its partner Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL) had breached the terms of their franchise agreements. The decision by McDonald's India follows a prolonged legal dispute with the partner that had already led to the temporary shutdown of more than 40 outlets starting in late June. Vikram Bakshi, managing director of CPRL, told Reuters the decision came as a "big shock" and it was studying all its legal options. Madhurima Bakshi, a member of CPRL's board, said McDonald's outlets in the region employed 6,500 people directly and many more indirectly. All of the restaurants will have to stop using McDonald's name, trademarks, designs, branding, and recipes within 15 days of the termination notice, McDonald's said, adding it remained committed to northern and eastern India and had started looking for a new partner. "It will take time to bring the current situation to a final resolution," McDonald's said. It added it would try to mitigate the impact on employees, suppliers and landlords affected by the move.

McDonald's to shut all 169 outlets in northern and eastern India

The yellow M-shaped logo, long noisy queues, children with balloons in their hands: at first glance it seems McDonald&#39;s has reopened its doors in separatist hub Lugansk in Eastern Ukraine. 
 
But in fact this is only a replica after the building where the US fast food chain once had its restaurant was taken over by rebels and now local entrepreneurs have opened their own cafe, with just a few tweaks. 
 
Its facade has been modified and now reads &quot;Burger&quot;, the name of the new restaurant, and it is decked out with a flag of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People&#39;s Republic. 
 
Inside hungry diners cannot tuck into the world-famous &quot;Big Mac&quot;, but they can enjoy a very similar &quot;Big Mag&quot; burger. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s how it goes here: department stores and cafes are taken over by the authorities, they only change the name slightly,&quot; said 18-year-old student Nikita, who refused to give his surname due to security fears, enjoying a meal with four friends. 
 
&quot;They can&#39;t invent anything new.&quot; 
 
Nikita and his classmates have been visiting the &quot;Burger&quot; restaurant regularly since it was reopened two months ago. 
 
The students say they used to come to the McDonald&#39;s before the conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists tore through this industrial region, claiming some 9,500 live since April 2014. 
 
But they complain about the significantly increased prices in the place since it reopened under the new management. 
 
&quot;Now we can afford only two portions of French fries. It has become too expensive here, although initially this place was designed for students,&quot; Nikita laments adding that a serving of fries costs some 90 rubles (about one euro). 
 
The US firm, which in 2014 closed all its restaurants in the rebel-controlled areas, said in a statement that they &quot;have nothing to do with business activities in the premises of McDonald&#39;s&quot; in the rebel strongholds of Lugansk and Donetsk. 
 
The company has complained to the Ukrainian government about the &quot;illegal seizure of the premises&quot; in the conflict zone. 
 
But local customers say they find the food being served now similar enough to original. 
 
Dan Bertsch, an American from Virginia in his fifties who arrived in Lugansk three years before the start of the conflict to marry a local woman, is among them. 
 
&quot;In America I do not eat a lot in McDonald&#39;s but in Lugansk I think it is nourishing to have a hamburger,&quot; said Bertsch, who wore a t-shirt with the image of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
&quot;We don&#39;t have a lot of food choices in Lugansk because of war.&quot; 
 
Anti-US rhetoric 
 
The manager of &quot;Burger&quot;, 25-year-old Sergei, who gave only his first name, said the higher prices are down to difficulties in getting food delivered to the conflict-wracked region, but he insisted quality has gone up. 
 
&quot;Although there are similarities in our ingredients, we are not McDonald&#39;s,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;There is a difference in the quality of ingredients, ours are better. We bring them frozen from Finland via Russia.&quot; 
 
In Donetsk, another rebel stronghold in eastern Ukraine, two other former McDonald&#39;s opened their doors under the named &quot;DonMak&quot; in early July. 
 
Similar to the one in Lugansk, they are located in the former premises of the US chain and offer the same kind of products. 
 
Their opening was a sensation in the de facto capital of the pro-Russian separatists, despite the rebel leadership frequently slamming the United States as an enemy as it emphasises cultural ties with Russia. 
 
Within a few days people were already lining up in queues for over an hour outside the fast-food restaurant in anticipation of their Coke, burger or fries. 
 
Housewife Elena waited 40 minutes in the crowded establishment to place an order for her son. 
 
&quot;Before they opened this place, I always wondered where to go with my child. Now we can celebrate his birthday here,&quot; the 24-year-old said. 
 
The fact the restaurant had opened even though rebels denounce any presence of Western influence in the area under their control does not seem to bother the young woman. 
 
&quot;It might be worth opening something Russian-style,&quot; she laughed, as she waited for her burger. 
 
(AFP)

The new restaurant called 'Burger' has come in place of the original McDonald's after it was taken over by rebels

The yellow M-shaped logo, long noisy queues, children with balloons in their hands: at first glance it seems McDonald's has reopened its doors in separatist hub Lugansk in Eastern Ukraine. But in fact this is only a replica after the building where the US fast food chain once had its restaurant was taken over by rebels and now local entrepreneurs have opened their own cafe, with just a few tweaks. Its facade has been modified and now reads "Burger", the name of the new restaurant, and it is decked out with a flag of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic. Inside hungry diners cannot tuck into the world-famous "Big Mac", but they can enjoy a very similar "Big Mag" burger. "That's how it goes here: department stores and cafes are taken over by the authorities, they only change the name slightly," said 18-year-old student Nikita, who refused to give his surname due to security fears, enjoying a meal with four friends. "They can't invent anything new." Nikita and his classmates have been visiting the "Burger" restaurant regularly since it was reopened two months ago. The students say they used to come to the McDonald's before the conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists tore through this industrial region, claiming some 9,500 live since April 2014. But they complain about the significantly increased prices in the place since it reopened under the new management. "Now we can afford only two portions of French fries. It has become too expensive here, although initially this place was designed for students," Nikita laments adding that a serving of fries costs some 90 rubles (about one euro). The US firm, which in 2014 closed all its restaurants in the rebel-controlled areas, said in a statement that they "have nothing to do with business activities in the premises of McDonald's" in the rebel strongholds of Lugansk and Donetsk. The company has complained to the Ukrainian government about the "illegal seizure of the premises" in the conflict zone. But local customers say they find the food being served now similar enough to original. Dan Bertsch, an American from Virginia in his fifties who arrived in Lugansk three years before the start of the conflict to marry a local woman, is among them. "In America I do not eat a lot in McDonald's but in Lugansk I think it is nourishing to have a hamburger," said Bertsch, who wore a t-shirt with the image of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We don't have a lot of food choices in Lugansk because of war." Anti-US rhetoric The manager of "Burger", 25-year-old Sergei, who gave only his first name, said the higher prices are down to difficulties in getting food delivered to the conflict-wracked region, but he insisted quality has gone up. "Although there are similarities in our ingredients, we are not McDonald's," he said. "There is a difference in the quality of ingredients, ours are better. We bring them frozen from Finland via Russia." In Donetsk, another rebel stronghold in eastern Ukraine, two other former McDonald's opened their doors under the named "DonMak" in early July. Similar to the one in Lugansk, they are located in the former premises of the US chain and offer the same kind of products. Their opening was a sensation in the de facto capital of the pro-Russian separatists, despite the rebel leadership frequently slamming the United States as an enemy as it emphasises cultural ties with Russia. Within a few days people were already lining up in queues for over an hour outside the fast-food restaurant in anticipation of their Coke, burger or fries. Housewife Elena waited 40 minutes in the crowded establishment to place an order for her son. "Before they opened this place, I always wondered where to go with my child. Now we can celebrate his birthday here," the 24-year-old said. The fact the restaurant had opened even though rebels denounce any presence of Western influence in the area under their control does not seem to bother the young woman. "It might be worth opening something Russian-style," she laughed, as she waited for her burger. (AFP)

Ersatz McDonald's becomes hit in rebel East Ukraine

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