In Chicago, five McDonald’s workers and four of their family members have filed a lawsuit against the fast-food chain alleging that it has not properly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group alleges that the restaurant has not provided enough masks, gloves or hand sanitizer. According to reports, one McDonald’s location allegedly only received masks and gloves after striking. However, workers reportedly only received one mask, which had to be worn each shift.
In response, McDonald’s has openly disagreed with the accusations made in the lawsuit. Ina statement, the restaurant chain wrote, “Crew and managers are the heart and soul of the restaurants in which they work, and their safety and well-being is a top priority that guides our decision making.” Furthermore, McDonald’s has stated that they have provided an “ample supply” of personal protective equipment for employees. McDonald’s claims to have provided 100 million masks during the pandemic.
This news comes as McDonald’s prepares to open dining rooms across the country. Earlier this month, the fast-food chain sent franchise owners a guide to opening dining rooms. Moving forward, they have asked owners to enforce social distancing, clean bathrooms every 30 minutes and have employees operate soda fountains.
“We ask that you remember: we only get one chance to do this the right way,” the company states.
Despite their efforts, workers in Illinois and California have filed lawsuits. Furthermore, workers across the country have began organizing protests.
