Fast-food workers are planning a nationwide walkout. The workers are protesting against impossibly low wages and poor working conditions.
The walkout is planned for August 29. Fast-food employees nationwide are being asked to join the protest. The workers are demanding wages of $15 per hour and the right to join a union.
As detailed on LowPayIsNotOK.com, fast-food workers rarely make enough to cover their living expenses. They feel that a starting pay of $15 per hour will allow fast-food employees to “afford basic needs.”
They contend that businesses like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, KFC, and Taco Bell , make enough profits to pay their employees fair wages. The website offers information, a petition, and a strike kit.
The kit includes information on how to announce and participate in a walkout.
A strike may seem like a great way to spread the word. However, workers who participate may end up losing their jobs.
A majority of fast-food workers do not have union backing. Most often, they are employed “at will.” Essentially they can be fired for any reason, at any time.
As the economy continues to recover, there are a lot of people still looking for work. Participating in a walkout without union representation is a big risk.
Despite the risk, many fast-food workers are prepared to go forward with the walkout.
As reported by The Washington Post, most fast-food workers average around $9 per hour . Fast-food businesses continue to report record profits. However, their workers are paid close to minimum wage.
The walkout is planned to coincide with the 50 anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and freedom. Organizers expect thousands of fast-food workers to walk off their jobs. Fast-food employees in at least 35 cities have committed to participate.
The workers are not represented by a union. However, they do have the support of the Service Employees International Union and similar organizations.
The Economic Policy Institute estimates that 80 percent of workers earning the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, are full-time workers over the age of 20.
Fast-food workers contend that adults cannot survive on minimum wage. They hope to raise awareness and gain national attention with the walkout.
[Image via Flickr ]
