The Wage Issue at McDonald’s: A Closer Look
Introduction
McDonald’s is one of the biggest and most popular fast-food restaurant chains globally, commanding a massive presence in many countries. As one of the world’s largest employers, this fast-food franchise serves as the first job for many young people. However, the workers in this fast-food chain are often subjected to minimum wages that are not enough to support their basic needs. This, coupled with the lack of healthcare benefits, is a significant issue that has gained nationwide attention. In this article, we will take a closer look at the wage issue at McDonald’s.
The Minimum Wage at McDonald’s
In Arizona, McDonald’s workers earn a minimum wage of approximately $12 per hour. However, there has been an ongoing debate over the minimum wage set by McDonald’s and its viability for workers. The federal minimum wage is $7.25, but some states have set their minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage, making the rate slightly better for some McDonald’s workers. In 2017, Arizona raised its minimum wage to $10.00, and it has been increasing year by year. In 2020, the minimum wage was $12.00, which is now equivalent to the wage rate paid by McDonald’s in Arizona.
The Hiring Deal
McDonald’s has been offering a hiring deal to new workers, including $10 for seven-hour shifts with two paid breaks in a day. This policy does not assure any health insurance to the workers, which makes it tough for employees to sustain themselves. As of June 2020, McDonald’s has declared that it will provide a $500 bonus to the workers who work at McDonald’s for three months of continuous service. The implementation of these bonus plans across the United States has undoubtedly uplifted the morale of workers, but the wage rate still remains a concerning issue.
Archway to Opportunities Program
McDonald’s launched the Archway to Opportunities program, which offers workers educational funding, English language classes, and much more. This program also provides workers with the opportunity to receive high school diplomas, learn basic skills required for a job, and receive scholarships.
Employment Statistics
In Arizona, McDonald’s employs approximately 4000 workers, making it the third-largest employer in the state. With this knowledge, the McDonald’s executives could use their status to reshape and improve the working conditions of their employees, providing them with a wage that is enough to support themselves and their families. Rather than just relying on the government’s minimum wage, the company could take it upon themselves to advocate and offer wages that are above the minimum wage, ensuring a better life for their employees.
Lawsuits Against McDonald’s
In past years, McDonald’s has been subject to numerous lawsuits from workers, citing the inability to support themselves with their wages. These lawsuits have forced the company to provide a $15 minimum wage, which has come a long way for the benefit of the workers. However, several sectors of McDonald’s have not affected this change, which highlights the need for more regulations.
The McDonald’s corporation has also been accused of wage theft. Wage theft is when employers take money that does not belong to them. This can happen through illegal deductions, withholding overtime pay or meals breaks, or misclassifying an employee’s work. Wage theft practices are illegal, and they pose a severe risk to workers. Several lawsuits have been filed in the United States and globally against the McDonald’s corporation, highlighting these issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, raising minimum wage and establishing required healthcare benefits would uplift the morale of McDonald’s employees in Arizona. McDonald’s provides a vital job opportunity for many people, and it is high time that their interests are both recognized and prioritized. Employers must support their workers in these challenging times, providing them with the opportunity for social mobility and the ability to sustain themselves. Only through wage equality will the McDonald’s experiment be a success in which employees can afford to live with dignity and respect.
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