The latest in an ever-growing list of employers who seem to be going out of their way to keep their employees from getting the healthcare they so desperately need is the fast food chain Wendy’s. A franchise in Omaha, Nebraska has announced that they will move all non-management employees to part-time in an effort to keep them from being eligible for coverage under the new federal law.





From an article at Think Progress:

Gary Burdette, vice president of operations for the local franchise, says the cuts are coming because the new Affordable Health Care Act requires employers to offer health insurance to employees working 32-38 hours a week. Under the current law they are not considered full time and that as a small business owner, he can’t afford to stay in operation and pay for everyone’s health insurance.

If the corporate end of Wendy’s has anything to say on the matter, it has yet to be heard from, but generally cooperate headquarters have little to do with the day-to-day operations of a privately-owned franchise. It would be nice to see Wendy’s step up and tell this deadbeat owner to shape up and do what is right for their employees but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Owners of Papa John’s and Olive Garden franchises across the county have also threatened similar actions in the wake of the election and the fact that Obamacare now appears to be heading to a full rollout.

It is my belief that, as informed consumers, we should send a message loud and clear to those owners whose only concern is making a profit at the expense of their employees: spend our money elsewhere.

Nothing speaks louder then the sound of a silent cash register.

While the trend seems to be common in the food service industry, the article also points out that according to the Urban Institute, Obamacare has negligible impact on business costs, leaving large companies virtually unaffected while actually reducing costs for small businesses.