7-Eleven is deploying its own team of immigration inspectors to franchises nationwide in the wake of a big illegal-alien scandal where the feds say workers in Long Island and Virginia were given stolen identities and then forced to work up to 100 hours weekly for a fraction of their wages.
Darren Rebelez, COO of 7-Eleven, fired off a letter today to more than 5,000 franchisees nationwide, warning them that 7-Eleven would take legal steps to terminate franchise agreements of owners who continue to employ illegal aliens.
Beginning July 1, the company will start sending out “field consultants” to stores to see if all staffers have proper “ I-9” employment-eligibility forms that pass legal muster.
“We are not attempting to interfere with your employment relationship or control how you hire, fire or manage your employees.” the Slurpee king wrote. “However, we have a critical need to protect the integrity and reputation of the 7-Eleven brand, a right to insist upon your compliance with the Franchise Agreement, and to ensure that all franchised stores are being operated in a lawful manner.”
Federal prosecutors on Monday announced they had indicted the owners and operators of 10 7-Eleven stores in Long Island and four in Virginia in the alleged scheme. In addition, the feds are seeking forfeiture of these stores.
The feds are also reviewing employment information from at least 40 other 7-Eleven franchises, and a company source said “it would not be surprising to see” more franchisees indicted in the coming days.
The company is fully cooperating in the ongoing investigation, the source added.