McDonald's Workers in First UK Strike

Around 200 people rallied outside the Houses of Parliament to protest against poor pay and conditions at McDonald's, as the restaurant staged its first ever UK strike.

The gathering on College Green included employees, union workers and members of parliament, including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, as part of an international day of action on Monday.

About 40 staff from McDonald's branches in Cambridge and Crayford walked out over the company's use of zero-hour contracts and lack of union representation.

The workers are calling for a wage of at least £10 per hour and more secure working hours.

John McDonnell told the Guardian:

"These are workers who are extremely vulnerable in terms of their employment conditions. And yet at the same time they've had the courage to come on strike. They've said: 'We've had enough and we need to negotiate.'

"If I was McDonald's management I'd be listening very carefully today. I'd contact the union and I'd get round that table."

McDonald's said those striking represented 0.01% of its workforce and added that the dispute was related to its internal grievance procedures.

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Blain Boland

Employment Solicitors