Workers Who Make McDonald’s Fries Treated Worse than Machines
McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King fries are all made by one conglomerate. Workers at Lamb Weston are speaking out about the horrific conditions.
Idaho-based Lamb Weston is the conglomerate responsible for creating fast-food fries for everywhere from McDonald’s to Wendy’s. That’s right. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and many more receive their fries from this one location. Workers reveal their dire and dangerous work conditions for the first time.
During 2021, President and CEO Tom Werner made just over $6.4 million. Meanwhile, workers are forced to work overtime for low pay. Several workers endure significant injuries on the job with little to no support from their employer. Gary Barela experienced a mini-stroke.
“My stroke was definitely work induced. My anxiety has been elevating in the last two months just because of constant forced overtime,” Barela says. Barela’s doctor sent a note to Lamb Weston citing a medical work restriction of no more than 8 hours daily over the following 30 days. 24 hours after receiving the note, Lamb Weston scheduled Barela for multiple 12 hour shifts in a row.
In March, Teamsters filed a complaint on behalf of workers. The NLRB complaint alleges several charges include a failure to bargain in good faith, requiring workers to work 12 hour shifts with minimal notice, and discipling workers for union activities. The complaint in its entirety is available here.
