Unionists staged a rally yesterday outside four McDonald's outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui to denounce the restaurant chain for offering exploitative wages.
The rally followed a street poll by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions this month in which 2,170 people were asked to name the most unethical employers in Hong Kong. McDonald's was named by 895 people, followed by the government, named by 400.
Confederation spokesman Tam Wai-to said McDonald's hourly wage was $15.10 in 1998 and remained the same today. It had only briefly raised it to $15.40 last year. The restaurant chain employs more than 11,000 workers at over 200 restaurants.
Yesterday, more than 20 protesters organised by the confederation marched to the four restaurants one by one, chanting slogans and passing out leaflets against the chain in the busy tourist district.
Last night, the fast-food giant issued a statement, saying its 'staff enjoy working at McDonald's'.
'McDonald's Hong Kong has been adopting the 'comprehensive welfare' policy for crew members who in addition to wages, receive a comprehensive package of fringe benefits,' it said.