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Oakland McDonald's workers strike after COVID-19 concerns
OAKLAND — After allegedly being told to masks made out of dog diapers, employees of a McDonald’s in Oakland went on strike Tuesday, effectively shutting down the restaurant, after at least four workers and their family members got sick with COVID-19.
The 22 workers of the Telegraph Avenue fast-food restaurant did not show up to work Tuesday, striking to demand a two-week paid quarantine period, company-paid medical costs and a deep cleaning of the store, plus proper personal protective equipment. Organizers say the cooks, cashiers and other workers were told to wear face masks made out of unused dog diapers or use coffee filters to make masks when they ran out of masks handed out by management.
I am so glad that I don't work in fast food or in a capacity where I need to interact with the public on this level. From the cashiers, butchers and stock people at my local grocery stores to anyone working in fast food, I feel terrible for all of them. They're risking their lives in order for us to keep living lives of comfort and convenience. It's a crappy way to make a paycheck and these days it can be downright deadly.“McDonald’s is treating us like dogs,” said worker Delia Vargas in a statement. “We don’t want to die for their hamburgers so we are going on strike, to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.”
At least four workers tested positive for COVID-19 within the past week. At least three others, including one worker who is pregnant, are exhibiting symptoms of the virus as well. Family members of those who became sick, including a 10-month-old baby, also tested positive, according to The Fight for $15, an organization that helps organize fast-food workers.