CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc.

CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, managing a global network of franchise operations in the fast food industry.

CCI Score

-40.28

0.02% April 18

Latest Event

Labor Law Non-Compliance at CKE Restaurants

A report from the National Employment Law Project highlights a culture of labor law non‐compliance at CKE restaurants, including suppression of worker organizing and discouraging contact with the press under former CEO Andy Puzder. This environment undermines workers' rights and contributes to broader oppressive business practices.

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TOADIE

CKE Restaurant Holdings, 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

JAN

01

2025

Labor Law Non-Compliance at CKE Restaurants
-77.68

A report from the National Employment Law Project highlights a culture of labor law non‐compliance at CKE restaurants, including suppression of worker organizing and discouraging contact with the press under former CEO Andy Puzder. This environment undermines workers' rights and contributes to broader oppressive business practices.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

The article exposes severe labor rights issues at CKE restaurants, where under CEO Andy Puzder the company has developed a culture of ignoring basic labor law compliance. The suppression of worker organizing and threats to discipline employees speaking with the press illustrate unethical labor practices that contribute to authoritarian business behavior.

NELP: 'A Culture Of Labor Law Non-Compliance' At Hardee's And Carl's Jr
SEP

01

2017

Labor Violations and Authoritarian Political Ties at CKE Restaurants
-34.74

A report by the Restaurant Opportunities Center United and Corporate Accountability International details serious labor violations—including wage theft and sexual harassment—across CKE Restaurants (Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s). The nomination of CEO Andrew Puzder by Donald Trump for Secretary of Labor further raises concerns about executive political engagement and potential support for authoritarian practices.
-70

Executive Political Engagement

March 19

CKE Restaurants’ CEO Andrew Puzder’s nomination as Secretary of Labor by Donald Trump illustrates a troubling instance of executive political engagement. His close ties to an administration known for authoritarian overtones raise serious concerns about the company’s political behavior and its potential to influence labor policies in favor of such practices.

Secretary of labor violations? The low road business model of CKE Restaurant Inc’s Andrew Puzder
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

The report documents widespread labor abuses at CKE Restaurants, including wage and hour violations, wage theft, and sexual harassment. Such practices indicate a severe disregard for labor rights and human dignity, characteristic of a business model that undermines fair labor practices and worker protections.

Secretary of labor violations? The low road business model of CKE Restaurant Inc’s Andrew Puzder
FEB

09

2017

CKE Restaurants' Political and Labor Practices Under Scrutiny
-26.84

The article details how CKE Restaurants, under CEO Andrew Puzder, has been a significant political donor through extensive lobbying and financial contributions favoring Republican candidates, and faces allegations of poor labor practices and wage violations across its franchises.
-70

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 19

CKE Restaurants, led by Andrew Puzder, has demonstrated a strong pattern of political contributions and lobbying efforts by donating over $1.2 million combined to key senators and spending significant amounts on lobbying. This financial backing exclusively to Republican candidates, coupled with the alignment with Trump's administration, suggests active support for authoritarian policies, thereby negatively impacting public and political behavior.

Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry
-50

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

CKE Restaurants has been repeatedly accused of violating wage and labor laws, with reports of poor working conditions in its franchises. This raises serious concerns about its commitment to labor rights and ethical business practices, indicating a problematic approach to human rights and worker treatment.

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

10

2017

Labor Violations Alleged Among Hardee’s & Carl’s Jr. Workers
-21.86

CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., owner of Hardee's and Carl's Jr., faces serious allegations of wage violations and worker mistreatment. These issues have surfaced amid controversies surrounding CEO Andrew Puzder’s leadership and his nomination for Labor Secretary, raising concerns over the company's commitment to fair labor practices.
-50

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

Worker advocacy groups reported significant wage violations and mistreatment among Hardee's and Carl's Jr. employees, suggesting systemic issues in labor relations within the CKE Restaurants network. Such practices reflect a disregard for labor rights and ethical responsibility, particularly problematic given Andrew Puzder’s controversial role in Corporate leadership and his political ambitions.

Hardee’s Workers Tell Conflicting Stories Ahead of Puzder Hearing