McDonald’s stares at first strike in UK

McDonald's could face its first strike on UK soil after workers at two of the fast-food chain's outlets voted overwhelmingly in support of a call for industrial action.

The strike call received huge support of restaurant staff in Cambridge and Crayford amid concerns over working conditions and the use of zero-hour contracts.

According to the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, staff were demanding a wage of at least £10 an hour and more secure working hours along with the recognition of the right to form a trade union as employees of the company.

In a statement, the BFAWU said, ''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'' stood at £7.50 for workers aged 25 and over, while those over 21 to 24 can expect a minimum wage of £7.05.

In the US, the restaurant chain's staff is leading a campaign to be paid $15 (£11.65) an hour, supported by the Service Employees International Union.

Ian Hodson, BFAWU national president, said, ''We at the BFAWU fully support the historic decision by these brave McDonald's workers to stand up and fight back against McDonald's, a company that has let them down one too many times, The Guardian reported.

Meanwhile, BBC quoted a spokesman for McDonald's said the fast-food company "works hard to ensure teams are treated fairly."

"We can confirm that, following a ballot process, the BFAWU have indicated that a small number of our employees representing less than 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."