KFC will accept whatever ruling the Chinese government makes
over its alleged illegal exploitation of part-time staff in China,
said a president of Yum Brands Inc. at a press conference
celebrating the company's 20 years in China on Monday.
"Although China's trade unions haven't concluded their
investigations into the employment of part-time workers by KFC, we
will do whatever is required," said Su Shijing, president of China
operation for Yum Brands.
Apparently worried about a customer backlash that could affect
sales and profits, Su said he hopes the public will remain cool
during the government's investigation.
Criticism of several US fast-food chains was triggered by a
Guangzhou-based newspaper report in late March saying they are
underpaying and overworking their part-time staff.
China's All-China Federation of Trade Unions said on April 3 the
US fast-food chains KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut have violated
China's labor law. The federation along with the Ministry of Labor
are investigating the companies to determine if they illegally paid
their staff less than the minimum wage.
Yum Brands, has 2,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and East Dawning
restaurants in China which generated nearly a third of its global
operating profit. Together they employ 100,000 people.
(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2007)