Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.

Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. (CKE) is a company that owns and operates multiple fast-food brands, including Green Burrito and Carl's Jr.

CCI Score

-43.78

0.02% April 18

Latest Event

Labor Violations Filed Against CKE

Workers at Hardee's and Carl's Jr. have filed 33 labor violation charges against Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., highlighting serious issues including sexual harassment, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. These allegations raise concerns about the company's commitment to ethical labor practices and workers' rights.

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TOADIE

Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. is currently rated as a Toadie.

-30 to -44 CCI Score

Companies scoring in this range actively seek to please authoritarian regimes. They offer proactive support and assistance in exchange for preferential treatment, compromising ethical standards for business gains and political favor.

Latest Events

MAR

15

2025

Labor Violations Filed Against CKE
-79.25

Workers at Hardee's and Carl's Jr. have filed 33 labor violation charges against Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., highlighting serious issues including sexual harassment, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. These allegations raise concerns about the company's commitment to ethical labor practices and workers' rights.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

The event reveals significant shortcomings in Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.'s labor practices as evidenced by multiple charges of labor violations, including sexual harassment, wage theft, and unsafe work conditions. These practices contribute to a hostile environment for workers and are contrary to anti-fascist and ethical labor standards. The negative rating reflects the company's failure to uphold workers' rights and fair labor practices.

Hardee's, Carl's Jr. Workers File 33 More Labor Violations Against Andy Puzder's Company
FEB

09

2017

Trump's Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor
-26.44

An article detailing how CKE, under CEO Andrew Puzder, has engaged in significant political donations and lobbying efforts exclusively supporting Republican candidates, alongside allegations of poor labor practices, which raises concerns about its complicity in bolstering authoritarian policy influences.
-60

Public and Political Behavior

March 19

CKE, led by Andrew Puzder, has channeled substantial political contributions and engaged in targeted lobbying efforts that exclusively support Republican candidates. This melding of corporate political activity with executive ambitions—evidenced by Puzder's nomination for Labor Secretary—indicates an alignment with authoritarian-friendly policy approaches and a tendency to undermine democratic accountability.

Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry
-60

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 19

CKE has faced repeated allegations regarding labor practices, including accusations of wage violations and poor working conditions in its franchises. These practices suggest a problematic disregard for worker rights and ethical labor standards, aligning with behaviors that undermine social justice in the broader context of corporate complicity in authoritarian frameworks.

Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry
FEB

08

2017

Lawsuit Alleging Unfair Labor Practices at CKE
-25.64

A class action lawsuit filed in February 2017 alleges that Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of Carl's Jr., colluded with its franchisees to suppress wages through restrictive no‐hire agreements. The suit also highlights CEO Andy Puzder’s public endorsement of free-market capitalism, raising concerns about the company’s political engagement and its impact on workers’ rights.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

The lawsuit alleges that Carl Karcher Enterprises and its franchisees enforced no-hire agreements to suppress wages and restrict worker mobility. This practice undermines labor rights and fair wage negotiations, exemplifying a disregard for ethical labor practices and contributing to an authoritarian model of worker exploitation.

Suit against Carl’s Jr. parent company alleges unfair business practice to suppress wages
-40

Executive Political Engagement

March 19

CEO Andy Puzder’s public statements supporting a free-market approach, as cited in the lawsuit, reflect a form of executive political engagement that may indirectly perpetuate labor exploitation and authoritarian economic policies. His involvement in political discourse, especially amid his nomination for Labor Secretary, raises questions about the company’s broader influence on public policy.

Suit against Carl’s Jr. parent company alleges unfair business practice to suppress wages