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National | Employment

McDonald's workers set to strike against zero hour contracts

Mc Donald’s workers across the country today will strike after mediation between union representatives and the fast food restaurant failed to reach a satisfactory resolution to zero hour contracts.

Unite Union says it reached an agreement with Burger King stores who came back with an offer to ensure all workers have regular shifts within the next six months, putting an end to zero hour contracts.

Unite National Director Mike Treen says, “McDonald's offer to the union at bargaining was a joke. They claimed they would guarantee 80% of their "rostered hours". But rosters can go up and down and workers have no control over them.  There is no way for workers to verify the fairness of a roster.”

In a press statement Labour leader Andrew Little said it was time the Workplace Relations Minister, Michael Woodhouse banned zero hour contracts after acknowledging those kind of contracts were unfair.

However he says, “the minister is dithering, suggesting the law should be clarified. There is no need to review legislation or overcomplicate the issue. Michael Woodhouse simply needs to outlaw these nasty practises now.”

Unite Union has asked those supporting the workers about to strike to visit their website and sign a letter to McDonads in support of the call to end zero hour contracts.

The strikers are expected to assemble around the country at around midday today in Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington and later this afternoon in Christchurch and Dunedin.