Snarf's Reaches Agreement With Workers Fired By Email Days Before Christmas

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Snarf's chain of sandwich shops has reached a settlement with 14 workers who were fired by email, just days before Christmas. The story from WBBM's Regine Schlesinger.

The entire staff was let go at Snarf's River North location, the company saying it was closing the store temporarily to remodel it. With the help of some activist groups, the employees fought back and now, they've been given checks for a month's back pay and promised that any worker who wants his or job back can have it when the shop reopens.

Listen to Snarf's Reaches Agreement With Workers Fired By Email

Kate Ziegler is satisfied.

"Though it doesn't excuse their actions, I'm so grateful that Snarf's realized the power of workers organizing together and we could reach a fair and equitable agreement," said Ziegler.

Fired worker Kevin Brown hopes this sends a message to the industry.

"Fast food and retail workers are not going to tolerate this kind of unjust treatment; working at some of the lowest wage jobs and being fired in this manner," said Brown.

Snarf's released a statement saying, "Snarf's Sandwiches and the Fight for 15 movement have reached an agreement that both sides believe is fair. Our former employees have been paid severance as part of this agreement and were offered reinstatement. Some employees accepted reinstatement, while others chose not to."

The Snarf's sandwich shop at 600 W. Chicago is due to reopen once the remodeling is completed.