Some workers at a Los Angeles-area McDonald’s walked off the job Friday over what they say are the fast-food giant’s inadequate response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The workers said they were angry over their hours being cut, and the restaurant chain allegedly failing to provide soap, gloves and any training on how to protect themselves from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
They were also protesting the company’s decision to stay open despite Gov. Gavin Newsome’s statewide “stay at home” order — which provided exemptions for essential services including food service.
“McDonald’s is treating us like we are something other than human beings,” said Angelica Hernandez, who organizers say helped lead the Los Angeles walkout. “They are not taking care of workers at a time when we are putting ourselves at great danger to help the company keep operating during this crisis.”
Workers at a McDonald’s in San Jose walked off the job for the same reason on Thursday.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A message on the McDonald’s website dated March 17 notes that the company is taking the following precautions due to the outbreak:
— Encouraging all restaurants to move to drive-thru, delivery and take-out
— Encouraging restaurants to close down all dine-in seating, including suspending the use of self-service beverage bars and kiosks
— Supplying sanitizer for employees and customers who visit our restaurants
— Encouraging employees to wash hands even more frequently than normal
— Increasing surface cleaning and sanitizing across the restaurant in high-impact areas
— Closing all Play Place attractions.