McDonald’s in conflict with part-timers union

McDonald’s Korea and the nation’s union of part-time workers are at odds over the company’s hourly wage and workplace environment.

The union said it would hold a rally in Seoul this weekend to protest “McDonald’s low wages and poor working environment.”

But the Korean unit of the fast-food chain Tuesday denied the allegations that its hourly pay is not more than the legally set minimum wage of 5,580 won ($5.05). The company said it has paid workers 7,000 won to 9,000 won an hour. 

“Under our philosophy that ‘People Matter,’ we’ve provided equal opportunity for self-development to all our employees over the past 60 years of operation, regardless of their age, gender and education,” the company said in an emailed statement.

The controversy began when former part-time worker Lee Ga-hyun, 21, reported the firm’s alleged discrimination against temporary workers to the union in November.

Lee claimed the management constantly changed workers’ schedules to pressure them to quit, and that she was fired after the firm found her to be a union member.

But the National Labor Relation Commission ruled early this month that the dismissal was lawful, citing her poor work attitude.

“We ask McDonald’s to raise workers’ hourly pay and negotiate wages every six months,” the Arbeit Workers Union said.

The hourly pay of fast-food chain stores in Sinchon, Seoul, vary between the minimum wage of 5,580 won and 8,000 won, according to the stores’ job postings.

The Sinchon outlet of McDonald’s pays 7,000 won to in-store part-timers, only when they work more than 60 hours a month. If they fail to meet the qualification, workers are paid 5,580 won.

Lotteria store in the same area pays 5,580 won to workers and up to 6,000 won for those who work extra hours on weekends, holidays and in the evening.

KFC near Ewha Womans University pays 8,000 won per hour, including overtime. The chicken franchise said it only hires workers who are available six days a week.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)