Back in 2014, Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees were adding amenities like free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and even conference rooms to appeal to a growing sector of people staying connected and working remotely. By then, Dunkin’ had already established itself as a leader in drive-thru service—having helped pioneer the modern drive-thru experience. But in the late 2000s…
Every day, every week, every month seems to pose new challenges for Dunkin’ franchisees, thanks largely to the pandemic and economic turmoil of late. The latest challenge: increased union-organizing activity within the food-service industry. In this edition of “What’s Brewing,” we explain why Dunkin’ franchisees should be concerned, though not alarmed, about the unionization trend,…
When her husband was battling cancer, Ava Lawrence turned to Dunkin’ to support herself and her children’ Ava Lawrence and her partners are preparing to build their seventh Dunkin’ store in the Tampa Bay area. Getting here has been a long road for the Massachusetts native. Unlike many New Englanders who have made their career…
Massachusetts lawmakers are now considering legislation that would phase out the state tipped minimum wage and mandate one uniform minimum wage by 2028. Under the legislation filed by Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier (Pittsfield), the current tipped worker wage of $5.55 (and slated to rise to $6.75 by 2023) would be phased out as the tipped wage…
While many of today’s younger workers – and voters – may not have experienced the bite of inflation eating more of their compensation, those of us who more clearly understand the meaning and impact of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) are already seeing some effect from inflation. Among the many states, counties and cities that…
The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has implemented a couple of changes that Bay State employers need to be aware of. Effective January 1, 2022, the DFML will increase the average weekly wage and increase the maximum benefit for covered leave. At the same time, the Department also announced a decrease in the…
Well, as we again flip the calendar, it’s important to note what laws may change on the first of any month. As we advised you in past issues, new provisions in the Connecticut equal pay act become effective today (on October 1, 2021) that prohibit pay differences between the sexes for comparable work (rather than…
Facing a continued staffing crisis and growing labor costs, many businesses are looking beyond the next hire. Consider the barista who never calls in sick or the coffee-making bots that brew up to 300 portions per shift, work 24/7 and never take breaks, except for refilling or cleaning. In many ways, the crippling U.S. labor…
Last week, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker proposed a supplemental budget that would utilize $1 Billion in federal pandemic relief funds to replenish the state Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic with its accompanying layoffs, shutdowns and business closures, the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, funded by a payroll tax on employers,…
As we get ready to close out the summer months, there are a number of dates approaching where new laws – or changes to existing laws – will become effective that you need to be aware of. We’ve previously advised you that effective September 1, the sexual harassment laws in the state of Texas will…
Small Regular - No Sugar Newsletter is weekly email with news and updates - it is like a virtual cup of coffee with DDIFO Executive Director Ed Shanahan