Boycott McPoverty set to impact major chains in Ballard this Thursday

2518244_origSeattle fast food workers have called for a citywide boycott of major fast food chains McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s this Thursday, February 20.

The boycott has been aptly called “Boycott McPoverty” and calls for the chains to lift workers out of “McPoverty” by introducing a $15 minimum wage.

Organizers are encouraging locals to show their support for a $15 minimum wage and join the boycott. According to a recent poll conducted by EMC Research, 68% of District 6 (Fremont, Ballard and Greenwood area) voters support the $15 minimum wage.

Teresa Fuentes, who works at Ballard Wendy’s, has joined the Boycott McPoverty movement. “I’m struggling to support two children. With a $15 minimum wage, I would be able to afford my car insurance which I can’t afford right now. I would be able to get decent food, because right now I go to the food bank a lot of the time,” says Fuentes.

Major chains in Ballard are set to be affected by the boycott including Ballard Burger King, Ballard McDonald’s, Ballard Wendy’s and Crown Hill McDonald’s.

“I think this boycott is necessary because it’s important that everybody notice us and realize that we’re hardworking people. We need to stand up for our rights,” says Fuentes.

5 thoughts to “Boycott McPoverty set to impact major chains in Ballard this Thursday”

  1. Exactly– there are plenty of other establishments, even local, non-chains, that should also be boycotted.

    Unfortunately I never go to any of these places anyway and kind of doubt the people that do go there will care.

    Just curious, is the woman mentioned in the article driving around w/o car insurance?
    Or does she not drive? Hate to get in an accident w/ her if it is the former.

  2. Do you want the person making your Big Mac to make more than the people helping to raise your children? There are industries (child care centers and nursing homes come to mind) whose workers deserve more money than fast food workers and that is where the changes should start.

  3. This is what I want to know. Given that McDonalds will have to raise their prices if they raise the minimum wage to 15 dollars are those suggesting such a move also willing to push for an increase in social security so we can continue to eat there?

    The least you can do is give us some of your cat food.

  4. If employment costs are met with a price point of 3.62 ratio in order to yield a survival net, then It would be a great idea to price the products with the inflated hourly wage (don’t forget the state taxes, fed and state dis or comp fees all relate) relationship in tact. If sales don’t maintain the volume that previously was attained, then phase the workers as the business slows. If people start to leave $10-14 for a burger at the window, then the artificial wage will stick and not be artificial at all. Simple? or…… how about starting the less experienced emps at a training wage of say #3.50 and moving them up to the higher paying jobs as they open up. Oh, then the state and fed wouldn’t allow that.

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