Wendy's is the only major fast food chain in the U.S. that has refused to join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Fair Food Program, which protects farmworkers from wage theft, sexual harassment, and modern slavery. After the program expanded to Florida's tomato fields, Wendy's stopped buying Florida tomatoes altogether and shifted supply to Mexico, where workers lack comparable protections. A Wendy's franchise in Pennsylvania was fined $300,000 for 766 child labor violations in 2023.

Why are people boycotting Wendy's?

Boycotts of Wendy's center on its refusal to participate in the Fair Food Program and a documented pattern of child labor violations. The Massachusetts attorney general secured a $400,000 settlement with Wendy's International for child labor violations at 46 corporate-owned locations. Wendy's is alone among major fast food chains in actively avoiding farmworker protection programs rather than joining them.

What are the best ethical alternatives to Wendy's?

Chipotle is a fast-casual chain with a commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients and better wages. Shake Shack uses antibiotic-free meat and cage-free eggs with better labor practices. Local diners and cafes keep money in your community and support independent restaurants.

Wendy's

Flagged · Avoid

One of the world's largest fast food chains, known for its square hamburger patties, Frosty desserts, and more than 6,700 locations across 30-plus countries.

Last updated June 14, 2026

Reasons to avoid

Issues span:Labor

Wendy's is the only major fast food chain in the US that has refused to join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Fair Food Program, which protects farmworkers from wage theft, sexual harassment, and modern slavery. After the program expanded into Florida's tomato fields, Wendy's stopped purchasing Florida tomatoes altogether and shifted its supply to Mexico, where workers lack comparable protections.nbcnews.com2023-03-20
A Wendy's franchise operator in Pennsylvania was fined $300,000 by state regulators for 766 child labor violations in 2023, including denying legally required breaks to more than 80 minor employees across 21 restaurant locations.pa.gov2024-01-24
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey reached a $400,000 settlement with Wendy's International for child labor violations at 46 corporate-owned restaurant locations across the state.mass.gov2020-02-18

Ethical alternatives

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Chipotle

Fast-casual chain with commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients and better wages.

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Sweetgreen

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Common Questions

Is Wendy's ethical?: Wendy's is the only major fast food chain in the U.S. that has refused to join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Fair Food Program, which protects farmworkers from wage theft, sexual harassment, and modern slavery. After the program expanded to Florida's tomato fields, Wendy's stopped buying Florida tomatoes altogether and shifted supply to Mexico, where workers lack comparable protections. A Wendy's franchise in Pennsylvania was fined $300,000 for 766 child labor violations in 2023.
Why are people boycotting Wendy's?: Boycotts of Wendy's center on its refusal to participate in the Fair Food Program and a documented pattern of child labor violations. The Massachusetts attorney general secured a $400,000 settlement with Wendy's International for child labor violations at 46 corporate-owned locations. Wendy's is alone among major fast food chains in actively avoiding farmworker protection programs rather than joining them.
What are the best ethical alternatives to Wendy's?: Chipotle is a fast-casual chain with a commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients and better wages. Shake Shack uses antibiotic-free meat and cage-free eggs with better labor practices. Local diners and cafes keep money in your community and support independent restaurants.