Over the last few months, we have seen the public acts of workers rising up against their unlivable wages and intolerable working conditions. Here are links to two articles I wrote about their struggle:
“Fast food workers are standing up and walking out” is the cover story for BlackCommentator.com where I am a editorial board member. My banner is “A View from the Battlefront.”
“Birth of an organizer” is my column in the award-winning St. Louis American and focuses on Chipotle worker Patrick Leeper.
Overstand what these fast food workers are going thru when you roll up to the counter or window of a fast food worker. The total order will probably be more than what that worker makes in an hour. At Micky D’s, a Big Mac, large fries and a big Coke is about $8.50 depending on what part of the country you’re in. Mickey D workers make the federal minimum wage–about $7.25.
Also keep in mind…
- This is a $200B industry that consumers have helped to create.
- Most of these foods are low in nutritional value, high in calories, salt and sugar content.
- Most of these fast food dens are concentrated in poor communities.
- Workers are often forced to work free (off the clock and don’t get paid overtime).
- Workers don’t get paid sick days and other benefits like healthcare.
