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A group of McDonald’s employees in Detroit walked off the job to cheers on Monday as part of a national workers strike to protest systemic racism and economic inequality.
Across the U.S. and around the world, workers from the service industry, fast-food chains and the gig economy rallied to demand better treatment of Black Americans in the workplace.
Protestor David Williams, who had walked off the job, explained that he was motivated to participate in the “Strike for Black Lives” amid the coronavirus health crisis, alleging that his employer was not enforcing adequate health and safety protocol amid the ongoing outbreak.
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“I walked off my job due to us not getting essential pay as being an essential worker. We're not receiving a proper PPE… As I posted here, I didn't even have a mask on,” Williams said, as seen in video footage obtained by the Associated Press.
“They didn't even give us masks. We didn't get a temperature check, any of that. So I'm walking off to see a change. I demand a change."
Protesters rally outside a McDonald's in Detroit on July 20. The national workers strike saw people walk off the job in U.S. cities to protest systemic racism and economic inequality. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
“I need y'all to congratulate these four workers who came out on the strike today!” an organizer exclaimed in the quick clip, as activists cheered outside of the McDonald’s.
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Jerry Johnson takes part in a protest rally outside a McDonald's in Detroit on July 20. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
“The biggest impact is to see us out here demanding for a change,” Williams continued. “Because if we don't do anything, it's going to continue to happen if we're allowing it to happen.”
According to the Associated Press, at least 20,000 workers in 160 cities walked off the job on July 20, inspired by the racial reckoning following the deaths of several Black men and women at the hands of police. The events drew participants whose jobs in health care, transportation and construction, among other fields, do not allow them to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Strike for Black Lives was supported or organized by more than 60 labor unions and social and racial justice organizations, which held a range of events in more than two dozen cities. Support swelled well beyond expectations, organizers said.
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In response, McDonald’s voiced support for Black communities worldwide and stressed the company’s commitment to protecting customers and crew as the pandemic continues.
“McDonald’s unequivocally supports the need for racial equality and social justice and stands with Black communities across the globe where we are proud to offer employment opportunities and learn from our team members to make the McDonald’s System stronger,” a spokesperson for McDonald’s USA said in a statement shared with Fox News on Tuesday. “We believe Black lives matter, and it is our responsibility to continue to listen and learn and push for a more equitable and inclusive society.”
“We will not waiver in our continued commitment to safety and wellness in our restaurants - taking precautions that protect crew, customers and communities,” the statement continued. “To provide for the safety of the over 800,000 restaurant crew that have served meals to the community and healthcare workers during the pandemic, McDonald’s enhanced over 50 processes in restaurants. McDonald’s and our franchisees distributed an ample supply of PPE with no supply breaks, including gloves and over 100 million masks, in addition to installing protective barriers in restaurants.”
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“We are confident the vast majority of employees are covered with sick pay if they are impacted by COVID-19. To further show appreciation, franchisees have awarded bonuses and raises to employees and provided additional health and financial resources.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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