NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., August 9, 2022 — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced today it has entered into an agreement with the New York City (NYC) Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to resolve an investigation dating back to 2017 regarding the Fair Workweek Law and Earned Safe and Sick Leave Act. As part of the settlement Chipotle has agreed to establish a fund to pay employees to settle possible claims for premiums and statutory payments under these laws.
The settlement covers the time period of November 26, 2017 through April 30, 2022. As part of the settlement, Chipotle has agreed to pay employees who were working as of April 30, 2022, $50 per week of service as an hourly employee going back to November 26, 2017. Past hourly employees, from November 26, 2017 to April 30, 2022, will be notified that they can also file a claim to receive a payment. Chipotle will also pay one million dollars to the City.
“We’re pleased to be able to resolve these issues and believe this settlement demonstrates Chipotle’s commitment to providing opportunities for all of our team members while also complying with the Fair Workweek law” said Scott Boatwright, Chief Restaurant Officer, Chipotle.
“We have implemented a number of compliance initiatives, including additional management resources and adding new and improved time keeping technology, to help our restaurants and we look forward to continuing to promote the goals of predictable scheduling and access to work hours for those who want them. We hope this settlement will pave the way for greater cooperation between the restaurant industry and the City,” added Boatwright.
Chipotle increased wages across the country last year and for the nearly 4,000 employees in its 129 restaurants in the NYC area, the average hourly wage rose 11% to $17.37 per hour, the average hourly manager wages increased 8.6% to $19.98 per hour, and salaried managers earned an average $5,473.45 increase in salary. Chipotle offers industry-leading benefits such as competitive wages, debt-free degrees, tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year, health benefits and eligibility for quarterly bonuses for all employees.
During this challenging economic time, Chipotle and the City are coming together to put workers first and assist in their financial wellness. Chipotle is one of the leading organizations supporting the Worker Financial Wellness Initiative, a coalition aimed at making workers' financial security and health a C-suite and investor priority.
Chipotle provides career growth opportunities by opening new restaurants throughout New York City, as well as the rest of the country, and is developing its current team members of today to be successful leaders of tomorrow. Chipotle provides transparent career progression showing how crew members can advance into management roles, including to a Restaurateur, the highest General Manager position, in as little as three and a half years, with potential total compensation of $100,000 while leading a multi-million-dollar growing business. Last year, 90% of restaurant management roles came from internal promotions.
ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 3,000 restaurants as of June 30, 2022, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on the 2022 list for Fortune’s Most Admired Companies. With over 100,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.