McDonald's could face first UK strike action as workers threaten to walk out demanding £10 per hour

McDonald's: Staff in the UK have threatened strike action, which could be the first on UK soil
Yves Herman/Reuters

McDonald’s could face its first strike on British soil after workers at two restaurants backed calls for industrial action.

Staff at restaurants in Cambridge and Crayford voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, amid concerns over zero-hour contracts and working conditions.

They were demanding a wage of at least £10 per hour and more secure hours, and recognition of the right to form a trade union as employees of the company.

Jeremy Corbyn has shown his support to the workers who balloted to walk out, writing on Facebook: “I met with the Bakers’ Union and some of their members who work at McDonald’s.

“They explained that although they have long campaigned for better pay and working conditions, the corporation has not addressed their concerns.”

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) said in statement: "Workers have found themselves living on low wages with no guarantee of hours.

"This has been viewed by some as punishment for joining a union, and has seen employees struggle to meet their rent payments, whilst some have even lost their homes."

The UK National Living Wage stands at £7.50 for workers aged 25 and over, and £7.05 for those aged 21 to 24.

A spokesman for McDonald's said: "We can confirm that, following a ballot process, the BFAWU have indicated that a small number of our employees representing less that 0.01% of our workforce are intending to strike in two of our restaurants.

"As per the terms of the ballot, the dispute is solely related to our internal grievance procedures.

"We are proud of our people at McDonald's, they are at the heart of all we do and we work hard to ensure that our teams are treated fairly

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