- by MB
- The Guardian
- Issue #2191
Tens of thousands of KFC workers across Australia are being urged to sign up for a class action against KFC before registrations close on 26 June 2026 (at 4pm). Failure to register will mean workers risk missing out on compensation from the settlement reached earlier this year.
The class action alleged that KFC and its franchisees failed to provide legally required paid rest breaks to employees over the period 2017 to 2023. Shine Lawyers reached the settlement alongside Gordon Legal, with support from the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA). The class action is also supported by the Retail and Fast Food Workers’ Union (RAFFWU).
If the Federal Court approves the settlement, registered participants will have their claims assessed under a compensation scheme. Approximately, 90,000 current and former KFC workers across Australia may be eligible, including many people who may not realise they can claim.
Craig Allsopp, Head of Class Actions at Shine Lawyers, said “timing is critical.”
“This is about making sure workers are paid what they’re owed. Workers missed out on rest breaks, they shouldn’t also miss out on compensation they’re entitled to. If you worked at KFC during the claim period and didn’t get your paid rest breaks, register now,” he said.
Shine Lawyers says compliance risks can be higher in sectors that employ large numbers of young and casual workers.
“Class actions like this are so important to ensure big businesses are held to account. This is how system-wide change begins,” said Allsop.
Anyone who worked at KFC at any time between 2017 and 2023 can register by 26 June 2026 at www.kfcsettlemen.com.au. Registration is free, quick and confidential.
Rest pauses, underpayment
Shine Lawyers has commenced a class action against KFC and its franchisees seeking compensation for employees who say they missed out on 10-minute paid rest breaks between 2017 and 2023.
The basis of the claims is that:
KFC and/or franchisees failed to provide 10-minute paid rest pauses that workers were legally entitled to.
As a result, KFC and/or franchisees contravened the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth); and
If these contraventions are proved, compensation should be paid to KFC employees for the non-provision of their rest pauses.
The KFC matter forms part of broader SDA and RAFFWU-backed efforts to address alleged underpayment and entitlement issues across parts of the fast-food sector.
Shine Lawyers have also commenced class actions against Coles, Woolworths, McDonald’s, and Hungry Jack’s for allegedly not providing South Australian fast-food and retail workers with their public holiday entitlements for Sunday shifts, despite Sundays being legislated as a public holiday in South Australia from 1910 to 31 December 2023.
