Los Angeles, CA – Workers at a local McDonald's went on strike June 9, as part of a weeklong struggle by employees to bring to light the heinous working conditions they have been forced to endure. The strikers called for an end to harassment from management, for union representation, and justice for Berta Montes, a McDonald's employee whose death many coworkers attribute to management's negligence and overall lack of interest in their worker's health and safety.

According to her coworkers, Berta Montes was feeling sick at work one day. When she asked her manager if she could be allowed to go home, she was denied. Montes was forced to endure three more hours of her shift as her illness worsened. After she had clocked out she felt bad enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. She passed away five days later. Many of her fellow workers believe that Berta's death could have been avoided if she would have been allowed to leave work to seek treatment when she asked.

When asked why they were on strike, the general consensus of the workers and supporters on the picket line was “Justice for Berta Montes!”

Alexis Paulino, one of Montes's coworkers, said, “The reason why we're on strike is because of our coworker, she passed away and it’s their fault! They don't treat us right. They verbally abuse us, they harass us, they tell us our work isn't good enough, they overwork us, they don't let us take our sick days when we ask for them, and we're constantly having to deal with faulty equipment creating an unsafe work environment.”

Workers recounted an incident in which there was a gas leak and managers did not let employees evacuate for half-an-hour because they “had a line.”

“The managers don't give you your breaks or lunches on time, they make you work overtime; sometimes they'll force you to clock out and make you keep working,” said another worker at this McDonald's location.

Samantha Mendez, another worker, said, “During the pandemic the managers wouldn't let you leave if you had COVID. Management is very confrontational, their conduct is unprofessional, they yell at you and then they force you to multitask, and when you make a mistake, instead of teaching you, they make fun of you. They don't let you have your phones, so our families have no way of contacting us if there's an emergency. They deny you a doctor if you get hurt on the job, and like what happened to our coworker; they won't let you go to the hospital.”

Among these several grievances expressed by these workers, several others stood out, including feeling unsafe at work, bad air quality, pay issues, understaffing, workers not being allowed to use the restroom, and workers being forced to sweep trash in the rain. The workers provided a description of an extremely hostile workplace. Though for these workers, the struggle continues when they return to work. They will be forced to sign a warning letter upon their return to work, but their risk has won them the community's support and brought their struggle to light.

#LosAngelesCA #strike #Workers #LA #McDonalds

Tampa, FL – Striking workers from Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, and other fast food restaurants joined supporters for a militant march and protest in Tampa, FL. This day of action is part of the Fight For 15 campaign, a national action movement of low-wage workers against corporate giants like McDonalds, Burger King, and Taco Bell. These big fast food corporations make billions in profits by exploiting their workers. The national day of action saw thousands of workers across the country walkout over unfair labor practices, demanding an end to retaliation and harassment for organizing, as well as demanding a $15 wage, and union representation.

On Thursday, December 5, the day started when an entire shift of Dunkin Donuts workers shutdown their store with a 6:00 AM walkout over harassment and retaliation from management. Later, more strikers and supporters joined, including India Lewis, a 19-year-old single mother, illegally fired from Burger King. Lewis was fired for talking with her co-workers about organizing for better conditions and respect on the job. The crowd swelled to over 100 protesters picketing along a string of restaurants, including KFC and IHOP, and then marching on McDonald's chanting “15 and a union!” & “Hold the burgers, hold the fries, make our wages supersized!”

The protest was met at McDonald’s by dozens of police standing side-by-side with a string of corporate managers. The bosses and police were trying to prevent the striking workers from entering the store and talking with McDonald’s workers. The managers even went so far as to lock the doors of the store, trapping customers and workers inside the store. When workers went to lead the protest back to the KFC, the police vacated the McDonald’s parking lot to head off the protest. The militant workers and strikers sensed an opportunity and lead the protest back to shutdown the McDonald’s drive-thru.

The protest included workers from OUR Walmart who use similar tactics to strike Walmart in efforts to fight for better conditions. The recent strike wave is part of a broader movement to revive the strike and embrace militant tactics to fight against exploitation by the 1%. Organizers in Tampa plan to continue organizing future strikes, as well as actions to demand Justice for India Lewis, pushing Burger King to reinstate her.

#TampaFL #workersRights #IndiaLewis #fastFoodStrikes #15MinimumWage #McDonalds