Ruling comes after the company ends use of antibiotics medically important to humans.

Cuts to general and administrative expenses have hurt franchisee profitability, group said.

The company will pay $4M in back wages but “vehemently” denies the allegations.

The chain’s national franchise association blames founder John Schnatter for sliding sales and bad press.

The company denied any wrongdoing or admission of liability.

The company agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle with the plaintiffs.

The three-judge panel said the order violated the First Amendment.

The agency accused the poultry processor of discriminating against ‘work-authorized non-US citizens.’

The company has recalled 6.9 million lbs. of beef due to possible Salmonella contamination.

The Organic Trade Association and other groups challenged the agency’s decision to withdraw organic livestock rule.