Fast-food Workers' Strike

A Nationwide Strike for a Reasonable Wage

Many fast food workers and supporters
went out on the streets protest.
Picture by Chris Houck

Fast-food workers in the, unhappier than ever, are on strike demanding major fast-food companies to pay a $15-an-hour minimum wage and to be able to unionize without retaliation.

Not too long ago, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour was last increased in July 2009. Meanwhile, California's minimum wage was raised to $8 per hour in January 2008, and in July of 2014, the minimum wage increased to $9 per hour. Yet, rent and other expenses are rapidly increasing all over the country. Thus leading to the increase in poverty since a  minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, about $15,000 annually earned by fast food employees is beyond unacceptable and inhumane.

Infographic source: Economic Policy Institute

Current research shows that 16.7 percent of restaurant workers are living below the poverty line which is more than double the percentage for those who are working outside the industry. For this reason full time fast-food workers have to struggle by working extensive hours to earn a misery of wage.

Rosa Rivera, a current McDonald’s employee, claimed that she received the minimum wage and was owed $408 from her bosses in allowances for uniform maintenance. “I came to this country for a better life,” said Rivera. “I never imagined it would be like this.” Other current employees have had their wages docked to make up cash register shortfalls, and that they were made to work unpaid before and after their shifts.

Raising the minimum wage for fast food workers to a $15-an-hour minimum wage will make up the unreasonable wage these workers have earned for years. In addition, forming a union will have the opportunity to modify working wages, promote workplace health and safety, support proper work hours, offer benefits, and deal with job training and other work-related issues.

Non-supporters of fast-food workers
question the workers' demands for a $15 wage

Some Americans disagree with the wage increase for this particular group of people because they think that it’s crazy to get paid $15 per hour for just "flipping patties". 

By: Animation cels, Prints and Original Art

This is not Spongebob working at the Krusty Krab restaurant under the sea, this is a real life issue that affects the people who struggle on a daily basis to bring food to their table. Unfortunately, these workers have no other option but to continue working at these places and undergo devastating working conditions, even when they are sick, and deal with the lack of benefits.

We must put ourselves on their place and analyze the working conditions that are tolerated by the fast food companies. Its not fair that these people are working long shifts that are very exhausting and gives poor pay. Workers, no matter where they work, who they are or where they come from must have a right to a living wage and the right form a union.

It is reasonable that these workers are demanding a better pay and to be able to form unions. We must support these workers because these billion dollar industry earns their fortune at the expense of these workers. Some say that if this workers are unhappy with their earning then they better look elsewhere, however, there are many undocumented workers who do not have this option due to the lack of a social security number. It may be true that these corporations can replace workers who are disobedient. However, the demand of a better pay will continue until all the demands are met.

The companies must not ignore the demonstrations that are happening all over the country. Now we need to make this call more significant by boycotting the products of these companies. Additionally, we can show support by attending the demonstrations, or simply by sharing your concerns in the social media so that more people are aware of the struggle that is happening in our neighborhoods. We might not work at a fast food restaurant but we sure know someone that does like your neighbor, co-worker, friend,girlfriend/boyfriend, and even a parent. So why not join the movement for a better America?