McDonald’s Exits Lobby Group as Wage Rift Divides Industry (1)

McDonald’s Corp. pulled out of the trade group that lobbies on behalf of the restaurant industry, in part over a disagreement regarding how workers are compensated.

“McDonald’s has chosen to step away from membership in the association due to a policy difference,” the National Restaurant Association said in a statement Thursday. The company declined to comment.

The chain opposes tipped wages, which allow other businesses to count gratuities toward the minimum pay mandated by law. Employers are required to make up the difference if tips aren’t enough for workers to reach minimum wage. The National Restaurant Association supports the model. ...