KFC will accept whatever ruling the Chinese government makes over its alleged illegal exploitation of part-time staff in China, said a president of Yum Brands Inc. at a press conference celebrating the company's 20 years in China on Monday.

"Although China's trade unions haven't concluded their investigations into the employment of part-time workers by KFC, we will do whatever is required," said Su Shijing, president of China operation for Yum Brands.

Apparently worried about a customer backlash that could affect sales and profits, Su said he hopes the public will remain cool during the government's investigation.

Criticism of several U.S. fast-food chains was triggered by a

Guangzhou-based newspaper report in late March saying they are underpaying and overworking their part-time staff.

China's All-China Federation of Trade Unions said on April 3 the U.S. fast-food chains KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut have violated China's labor law. The federation along with the Ministry of Labor are investigating the companies to determine if they illegally paid their staff less than the minimum wage.

Yum Brands, has 2,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and East Dawning restaurants in China which generated nearly a third of its global operating profit. Together they employ 100,000 people.

Source: Xinhua