McStrike: UK McDonald's Workers Go on Strike as Part of 'Fast Food Global Day of Action'

12 November 2019 saw the execution of what was expected to be the largest planned walkout of workers from the world's largest fast-food restaurant. 

“It is inspiring and motivating to see so much support from the trade union movement, and community for our demand for a New Deal for McDonald’s workers. It’s liberating to see workers come together from different stores striking for a common cause. We are coming together to win a New Deal of £15 an hour, guaranteed hours and a union,” Lewis Baker, a McStriker from Crayford, said.

According to union representatives, it is the fourth time he has gone on strike.

In his op-ed for The Guardian, Baker expressed hope that this is the last time he has to go on strike.

"People are saying that other workers don’t get paid that much, but we say that everyone should be organising in their workplace and demanding a fair wage that they can afford to live off," Baker wrote.

Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn came out in support of the strikers:

The Trades Union Congress also put out a solidarity video in support of the strike:

"Fast Food Global Day of Action"

The strike in the UK was part of what workers are calling a "global day of action" for fast food workers, which included people in the US, Canada, Germany, Spain, and Belgium.

Workers handed a letter from The Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) South London Workers Organising Committee.

UK Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell also joined the strike.

An Open Letter Calling for a "New Deal" for McDonald's Workers

​The letter said, "We are mums, dads. We are daughters and sons. We are Londoners. We are workers. We work hard at McDonald’s". According to a union spokesperson it pointed out that McDonald's is "one of the richest corporations on Earth" yet they remain "underpaid" and can't afford "basic things that you need to survive".

"Many of us have gone without food. Many of us work two jobs just to survive", the letter says. 

The letter called for a " New Deal" for MCDonald's workers which it listed as: 

1. We need a minimum wage of £15 an hour for all ages 
2. We need to abolish zero-hours contracts 
3. We need notice of our hours of work at least four weeks in advance 
4. We need the recognition of our union and union access rights 
5. We need our freedom of speech at work, guaranteed in law 
6. We deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and not face bullying and sexual harassment. 

Sputnik contacted the McDonald's press office for a right of reply but no response was forthcoming by the time of publication.