If I understood the story correctly, these folks were not current employees 'told' to do anything. Volunteers were sought to temporarily work a new type drive through basically directing traffic, all of legal age, and were paid for their time (approximately 1 1/2 -2 hours) with food vouchers with a value of about $60.00. To me that's not a bad take for 2 hours, and especially since it was voluntary and likely had a reasonably quick effect on the issues at hand.
Now my guess is these volunteers were likely some folks who typically hang around some these type fast food places hoping/waiting for a handout. Accepting the facts were as reported, no one was harmed, several folks were fed and even had vouchers left over to sell for cash. And after the short work load those 'hang a-rounders' probably eased on back to their place of residence.
This is neither in support for nor rant against any Chicken fast food place, nor any comment on corporate if in fact the plan was instigated by the local franchisee. Time will tell whether or not corp is in support of the plan and even whether or not it will be repeated. But in any case whether or not we enjoy this particular brand is immaterial and certainly not the point of this thread.
Lastly I'll offer this ..... I can remember a time many, many years ago that I would have loved to have been offered a deal like this. I was 15 at the time and had thought my best option was to leave home. I did that and soon found it was not my best option since I was underage to do much of anything. This was a time where a little food in my belly was far more important than a few dollars to be spent on who knows what. Just to be clear it was never an issue of being on drugs, or shoplifting, or anything else illegal.
I can't find a lot of reason to fault the franchisee if all the facts are as reported, and neither can I find fault with those who for whatever reason might have been down on their luck and yet had enough character to take a menial job rather than pan handling. I'd call that morals and character. I don't know.... maybe just me?