Fast Food Workers Protest Sudden Closure After Health Scandal
Employees at a McDonald's restaurant in Oakland, California are rallying against the establishment's permanent shutdown, which comes just months after disturbing footage of rats overtaking the kitchen forced a temporary closure. The decision leaves dozens of workers jobless during the crucial holiday season.
From Viral Infestation to Permanent Shutdown
In May 2024, disgusting videos and photos showing both live and dead rodents scurrying throughout the fast-food kitchen spread rapidly across the internet. This prompted immediate action from health officials, who issued violations and temporarily closed the establishment.
Maria Maldonado, a longtime McDonald's employee and Director with the California Fast Food Workers Union, revealed that during the initial crisis, workers were threatened with termination if they spoke publicly about the unsanitary conditions.
Workers Left in the Lurch Before Holidays
The situation escalated on November 19, when staff were informed the restaurant would close permanently in just ten days, on November 30. This sudden move prompted nearly two dozen employees and supporters to stage a rally outside the location in protest.
The California Fast Food Workers Union stated that cooks and cashiers gathered to protest the company's failure to value its long-time workers and to demand that McDonald's relocate them to nearby stores instead of issuing layoffs.
Antonia Ortega, who has worked at the restaurant for eight years, expressed her despair. "I was happy to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, but now, I'm heartbroken, thinking of whether I'll find another job since McDonald's won't relocate us," she said.
According to the union, some employees had dedicated over 17 years of service to this specific location.
Corporate Response and Worker Demands
Joseph Wong, the owner of the Oakland McDonald's, described the choice as a 'difficult decision to close' the restaurant. In a statement provided by McDonald's corporate, he expressed gratitude to the local community and his 'hardworking crew members'.
While the company told media that laid-off workers were 'welcome' to apply to other McDonald's locations, this offers little consolation to employees seeking immediate job security. The striking workers are demanding that McDonald's corporation immediately transfer them to nearby stores rather than leaving them without income during the expensive holiday period.
