• Protesters are turning their attention to “wage theft,” when workers are forced to pay for their own uniforms.
• McDonald’s said they will continue to stay open.
• Rallies were planned in 30 cities but few showed up.
NEW YORK — Organizers of the fast-food protests for higher pay shifted their attention Tuesday to another issue: “wage theft.”
Protesters planned to rally outside McDonald’s restaurants in cities including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami to call attention to the denial of overtime pay and other violations they say deprive workers of the money they’re owed.
The demonstrations are a follow-up to lawsuits filed last week in three states on behalf of workers, who said they had their wages stolen by McDonald’s and its franchisees. Workers said money was deducted from their paychecks for their uniforms and that they were sometimes made to wait around before they could clock in, according to the lawsuits.
McDonald’s Corp. said in a statement that its restaurants remain open “today — and every day — thanks to the teams of dedicated employees serving our customers.””
The actions are part of an ongoing campaign by union organizers to build public support for pay of $15 an hour. The Service Employees International Union has been providing financial and organizational backing for the push, which began in late 2012. Since then, a series of protests around the country has captured national media attention and served as a backdrop for President Barack Obama’s call to raise the federal minimum wage.
On Tuesday, organizers said rallies were planned for about 30 cities, but the size of the turnout wasn’t clear. In New York, roughly 50 protesters streamed into a McDonald’s across the street from the Empire State Building, surprising customers. They chanted for a few minutes before police kicked them out.
Once back outside, members of the group took turns speaking before a large gathering of TV cameras and other media. New York City public advocate Letitia James voiced her support while standing next to a protester dressed as Ronald McDonald in handcuffs.
“It’s hard enough for fast-food workers to survive in this economy,” James said.
She is planning to introduce legislation to establish a hotline to report “wage theft.”
It was a far smaller showing than other recent protests in New York City, and it wasn’t clear how many participants were fast-food workers, rather than campaign organizers, supporters or members of the public relations firm that has been coordinating media efforts. Still, the latest rallies reflect the push by labor groups to keep continued pressure on the issue of worker pay.
In a statement, the National Restaurant Association called the demonstrations “orchestrated union PR events where the vast majority of participants are activists and paid demonstrators.”
The workers were referred to attorneys by the protest organizers.
McDonald’s, which has more than 14,000 U.S. locations, has said it will investigate the allegations and take any necessary action.
Do you think it is fair for a business to expect its employees to buy uniforms or other supplies? |
Colin Cabage, a sophomore exercise science major“They give you the opportunity to make your money and you have to earn your keep. Yeah, it is fair.” |
Michael Hatchett, a sophomore psychology major“I used to work at Hollister and they made us buy seasonal clothes. … I couldn’t do it. They shouldn’t have to buy clothing.” |
Dante Payne, a sophomore theatre design major“If I am coming for a job, especially somewhere like McDonald’s, I obviously don’t have the money to buy a uniform.” |
Haylee Moscato, a sophomore interior design major“If you work at an office, you have to buy your own clothes.” |
Sydney Hellgeth, a sophomore animation major“[At a former job], they bought everyone shirts they knew were too small. Then you had to buy your own if you wanted a bigger one. That isn’t professional.” |
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