Thousands of McDonald's workers are rallying next week to demand respect and a living wage. Sign the petition to tell McDonald's to guarantee good-paying and safe jobs for all of its employees. |
Dear
As you might already know, McDonald's has a dismal record on sustainability.
The antibiotics, hormones, chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides used in McDonalds' livestock purchases are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and water contamination. [1] And as one of the top users of palm oil -- a product that has been linked to the destruction of the world's most precious rainforests and orangutan habitats -- they've still made no significant movement toward deforestation-free palm oil. [2]
If you think they treat their employees any better, think again! Many McDonald's workers have experienced understaffing, little to no safety gear in the workplace and inadequate training. In fact, 79% of fast-food workers in the U.S. were burned on the job in the past year. [3]
That's why thousands of fast food workers are joining together on April 15 in the "Fight for 15" to take a stand for improved wages and union rights. Will you join them? Sign the petition telling McDonald's to strengthen its commitment to the environment and people now.
Not only do fast food workers face major safety risks in the workplace, but McDonald's pays their workers so little that they can't support their families or make ends meet.
Over and over, a common theme in McDonald's activities is that it prioritizes profits over the livelihood and safety of people and the environment. One golden arches employee was forced to dump boiling grease into trashbag lined buckets -- without gloves. The machine meant for proper grease disposal sat broken for six months.
McDonald's has actually told its employees to treat burns and other workplace injuries with mayonnaise and mustard. [4] This simply cannot stand.
Do you agree that McDonald's should publicly commit to pay their workers a living wage and make steps towards a sustainable future? Sign the petition now.
Earlier this month, McDonald's announced that it planned to increase the average hourly rate for its employees in the U.S. to $1 above the minimum wage. But there's just one catch. This lift in wages only applies to 10% of its employees. [5] This isn't saying much when McDonald's raked in $5.6 billion in profits last year by paying their workers too little and taking shortcuts that hurt the planet.
Next week, in massive rallies across the country, McDonald's employees will join together to demand a $15/hr living wage. This is your chance to support low wage workers in their fight for a better future.
It's time for McDonald's to step up its game for people and the planet. Tell the fast food chain to guarantee good-paying and safe jobs for ALL of its hard-working employees. Help send this message loud and clear by April 15. Sign the petition now!
In it together,
Courtney-Rose Dantus
SierraRise
P.S. Five signatures are even more powerful than one -- after you take action, be sure to forward this alert to your friends, family, and colleagues!
References:
1. Good, Kate. (20 February 2015). “Sorry, Meat Industry! U.S. Dietary Guidelines Report Rules Vegan Diet is Best for the Planet.” One Green Planet.
2. Goodman, Lael. (14 November 2014). “McDonald’s Palm Oil Commitment Fails on National Fast Food Day.” Union of Concerned Scientists.
3. Hart Research Associates. (16 March 2015). “Key Findings from a Survey on Fast Food Worker Safety.”
4. Fight for 15. (16 March 2015). “Burned at McDonald’s. Treated with Mustard.”
5. Davidson, P. & Whitehouse, K. (1 April 2015). “McDonald’s raises pay for 90,000 workers.” USA Today.
Photo credit: Fight for 15