Employees are expected to strike at major national fast-food restaurants, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and KFC. Community groups, clergy, elected officials and unions are supporting the strikes.
“Our country’s fastest growing jobs are also the lowest paid, slowing the recovery and hurting our economy,” read a statement announcing the strike. “While the fast food industry is making record profits, its workers are forced to rely on public assistance just to afford the basics. That’s why fast-food workers from across the country are joining together to fight for $15 an hour and the right to form a union without interference or unfair labor practices.”
Restaurant industry advocates have argued that restaurants provide workers with experience that are stepping stones to opportunities for upward mobility. A report from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) refuted those claims, stating that only 2.2 percent of jobs in the fast-food industry are managerial, professional or technical occupations. Additionally, franchise owners represent only 1.0 percent of jobs in the fast-food industry.
