New York (CNN Business) The National Labor Relations Board decided Thursday that McDonald's can settle a case that accuses the burger chain of retaliating against employees who tried to unionize.

The case stems from a series of complaints filed against the company and some of its franchise operators in 2014, which were later consolidated. The Fast Food Workers Committee and Service Employees International Union alleged that workers who participated in strikes were punished with reduced hours and in other ways.

The central question in the case is whether McDonald's should be considered a joint employer with its franchise operators.

A police officer keeps watch as demonstrators march in front of the McDonalds Headquarters demanding a minimum wage of $15-per-hour and union representation on April 03, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.

More than 90% of McDonald's locations are owned and operated by franchisees. McDonald's says that it encourages, but cannot mandate, that franchise operators follow company guidelines on sexual harassment and conduct sensitivity or other trainings. It argues that franchisees are responsible for their own employees.

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