Yesterday, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) passed a decision that will make it easier for unions to negotiate on behalf of their members who work in the fast-food industry. This new law gives unions the ability to negotiate with the fast-food company over workers' rights for its members that were hired through a contractor, not directly by the company. Employees at a franchise who are able to unionize will now be entitled to bargain with not only the franchise owner, but the parent company as well. Yum Brands and McDonald's are expected to challenge the NLRB's decision if franchise employees begin to unionize.
See "Labor Board Ruling Eases Way for Fast-Food Unions’ Efforts", Naom Scheiber and Stephanie Strom, August 28, 2015