Staff at McDonald’s, JD Wetherspoon and TGI Fridays have joined forces and coordinated strike action to take place at the same time next month, following the success of the McDonald’s strike earlier this year.
The unusual move, which will see staff striking and calling for a £10 per hour wage, is seen as indicative of the growing awareness of workers’ rights – as well as the move towards workers collectively organising and unionising.
Workers will be striking at two Wetherspoons pubs in Brighton, McDonalds in Brixton, Crayford, Cambridge and Watford, and TGI Fridays in Milton Keynes, Covent Garden and Stratford.
The strikes will take place on the morning of 4 October, 2018.
Some of the workers have joined the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAW), while others have joined Unite, the UK’s largest trade union. They have taken inspiration from the McStrike action, which saw unionised McDonald’s staff secure the biggest pay rise in a decade.
Collectively Fighting for Better Pay and Conditions
Image via War on Want / Flickr
Matt Rouse, a kitchen worker at the ‘Bright Helm’ JD Wetherspoon pub in Brighton, said: “I’ve been inspired by my co-workers as we stand together to call out injustice in our workplaces. We are determined to stand together and make our demands for £10 an hour for all and union recognition heard. This is only the beginning, we will keep fighting for everyone, for better wages and rights for hospitality workers across the country.”
Boni Adeliyi, a TGI Fridays waitress in Milton Keynes, said: “We’re striking on October 4th to show the strength we have when workers come together. All young workers should join a union – it’s important to know your rights and how to fight for them when they’re being ignored. ”
It’s important to know your rights and how to fight for them when they’re being ignored
Boni Adeliyi, TGI Fridays waitress
Striker Lauren McCourt, said “We’re joining with Wetherspoons and TGI Fridays workers because when we come together, hospitality workers have the power to transform our sector.”
Earlier this year, TGI Fridays was identified by the government as one of many businesses failing to pay the minimum wage.
TGI Fridays staff in Covent Garden and Milton Keynes have gone on strike eight times since May 2018.
