Minimum wages have been increasing in many states in the past several years, and one of the world’s largest restaurant franchisors is still paying it’s workers very low wages. In response, workers have recently gone on strike in select locations in an effort to obtain more adequate living wages.
These McDonald’s employees in 15 different U.S cities arranged to go on strike the day before the company’s annual shareholders meeting in an effort to be given higher wages. Specifically, the employees are asking to be paid a wage of $15 per hour.
The employees are reportedly receiving large support from a few politicians who are fighting to implement more livable wages. Both Bernie Sanders as well as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have said they will join McDonald’s employees in their strikes which are planned throughout the U.S.
Senator Bernie Saunders also released a statement saying he was proud to join the workers who are fighting against corporate greed. The Senator also made a statement encouraging McDonald’s employees, saying that when working people unite, they can’t be beaten.
There have also been several reports that many fast-food chains around the country are having trouble hiring enough workers to keep their restaurants fully staffed.
A McDonald’s spokesperson has responded to complaints of workers being underpaid by saying that it is the federal and local government’s responsibility to set the minimum wage, and they are open to any changes that need to be made for the benefit of the hardworking McDonald’s employees.
