Pay bump doesn’t end pressure for McDonald’s
NEW YORK – A pay bump for workers at some McDonald’s restaurants isn’t likely to ease the pressures the chain is facing over labor issues.
McDonald’s said Wednesday it would raise wages for workers at its company-owned U.S. restaurants, which represent only about 10 percent of more than 14,300 locations. It also said it would offer paid time off for some workers.
The move marks the first time McDonald’s has set a national policy on wages, according to the company, and comes after it has been a primary target for ongoing demonstrations for pay of $15 and a union. Other companies, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., also have announced pay hikes in an improving economy and at a time when worker issues are getting widespread attention.
Immediately after the announcement by McDonald’s, however, labor organizers denounced it as a publicity strategy that did little to improve the situations of workers.
“Raising wages only a little for only a small fraction isn’t change. It’s a PR stunt,” said Kwanza Brooks, a McDonald’s worker in North Carolina, on a conference call set up by organizers.
Protests were planned for McDonald’s stores in about 24 cities across the country Thursday, although turnout for the events have varied in the past. In New York City, a crowd of about 30 people gathered outside a McDonald’s across the street from the Empire State Building before marching several blocks to another McDonald’s. Demonstrators filed into the location while chanting and waving signs with phrases like, “McDonald’s: Where’s My Raise?” before they were quickly ushered out by police.
In addition to the push to raise public awareness, the Fight for $15 campaign, which is being spearheaded by the Service Employees International Union, has been pressuring McDonald’s on multiple legal fronts. This week, the National Labor Relations Board began a hearing on complaints that named McDonald’s as a joint employer over alleged violations at franchised restaurants.
The case is expected to be a lengthy battle and is a reflection of a primary goal of organizers: to hold McDonald’s Corp. accountable for labor practices at its franchised locations. McDonald’s emphasized its position that it doesn’t have control over employment decisions at those restaurants when it said Wednesday that franchisees “make their own decisions on pay and benefits.”
McDonald’s USA President Mike Andres said few workers have participated in the demonstrations and the actions haven’t hurt the company.
Instead, he said the decision to increase pay and provide paid-time off at company-owned restaurants was driven by the marketplace.
“It’s a very competitive environment and a significant rationale for this plan is that we want to be the most competitive and attractive employer,” he said.