Fast Food Workers & Unions

Fast Food Workers & Unions

In recent weeks fast food workers, as well as employees at stores like Walmart, have been demonstrating and agitating and in some cases engaging in one-day strikes, as part of a growing campaign to get their employers to increase their hourly rate to one that is considered to be a "living wage."

I have seen some comments that suggest that the low wages paid to these workers may also hint of race or national origin discrimination, since a fairly high percentage of fast food workers, particularly in urban areas, tend to be minorities.

If you were approached by a group of workers from a McDonald's or similar establishment, and asked for your opinion as to how they might organize into a union (what procedures they should follow, their unit, etc.) or whether they should explore discrimination charges, what would you advise. Also, in general, what is your opinion on the matter of wages for people in the fast food or discount retail industry?