Seattle 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.