McStrikers gear up for Global Day of Action

Staff from six South London outlets will demand a £15 per hour wage for workers of all ages, guaranteed hours and the right to be represented by a union.

Workers are also asking for notice of shifts at least four weeks in advance, freedom of speech at work that is guaranteed in law, and protection from bullying and sexual harassment.

The strike will coincide with campaign events across the UK, from Brighton and Cardiff to Shipley and Halifax.

A letter from members of the BFAWU – the Bakers’ union, which has coordinated this action – will be delivered to No. 10 Downing Street.

It says: “We are mums, dads. We are daughters and sons. We are Londoners. We are workers. We work hard at McDonald’s.

“We are here today with our co-workers, our families and our supporters. We are here to tell you that our lives and the lives of our families are not what they should be whilst we live in one of the richest cities on Earth.

“We work for McDonald’s, one of the richest corporations on Earth. Yet we are underpaid. We cannot afford the basic things that you need to survive. Many of us have been homeless. Many of us have gone without food. Many of us work two jobs just to survive.

“That’s not right. We face poverty and hardship day-in, day-out. We suffer. Our children suffer.

“We say to you: pressure McDonald’s. We say to you: change the law. We need a New Deal for McDonald’s Workers.”

The letter concludes: “We will organise with every Londoner who feels how we feel. Now is the time to get organised at work. We are drawing the line right here, right now!”

War on Want is currently collecting signatures from those who support this action.