Chick-fil-A faces backlash for serving ‘volunteer’ chicken sandwiches in North Carolina

. operators Chick Phil A In North Carolina, they ended a controversial program in which they asked “volunteers” to work by driving in exchange for chicken sandwich coupons.

Chick-fil-A in Hendersonville, NC released the show last week in a now-deleted Facebook post.

“We are looking for volunteers for our new Drive Thru Express!” Read post. “Win 5 free appetizers per shift (1 hour). Email us for details.”

Despite the post being deleted, the restaurant’s social media pages are still awash with critical comments from guests frustrated with the franchise.

“I don’t want anyone serving the food to have trained!” One woman wrote.

Another wrote, “I’m glad to see you removed the highly illegal voluntary post.” Pay the workers, not the chicken.

Other comments criticized the franchise for violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which prohibits private and for-profit companies from recruiting volunteers to perform regular job duties.

Jennifer Highwood, North Carolina’s director of communications for the Department of Labor, confirmed to Fox News Digital that “any private sector employer covered by the FLSA is prohibited from allowing employees to volunteer for services.”

Haigwood noted that the North Carolina Department of Labor does not have any jurisdiction over volunteers or in situations where there is no employer-employee relationship.

Hendersonville store owner Joel Benson wrote on Instagram: “Thank you everyone for taking an interest in this.” After carefully reviewing claims and other details, we have decided to discontinue this program and not move forward in the future. We are always looking for fun and innovative ways to engage our community. Unfortunately, we have brought unnecessary negativity and misplaced regional/national attention to our town instead. That and I will continue to make every effort to treat our guests with honor, dignity and respect.”

Chick-fil-A Hendersonville did not immediately respond to a Fox News request for comment.