Today, Explained All praise, no pay
Apr 14, 2020
Terrence Wise, a fast food manager from Kansas City, advocates passionately for the rights of essential workers, sharing his challenges during the pandemic, including personal struggles like homelessness. Jamila Michener, a Cornell professor, discusses the impact of policy on low-income individuals and the rise of labor actions. Together, they highlight the urgent need for better wages and working conditions while inspiring hope through collective action, reflecting on historical strikes as a model for today's labor movements.
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Terrence Wise's struggles
- Terrence Wise, a McDonald's manager, and his family were homeless before the pandemic, living with relatives.
- Now, reduced work hours and lack of benefits exacerbate his financial struggles.
Impact of reduced sales
- McDonald's sales are down about 20%, leading to reduced worker hours.
- Despite lower sales, the remaining staff are overworked due to understaffing.
Weak Safety Response
- McDonald's safety response is considered weak by Terrence Wise.
- Workers had to fight for basic protective equipment like masks and gloves.
