WASHINGTON — “McMinimum burger! There’s nothing in it, just like your paycheck!” shouted activist Trameece Jeffries, dressed in a Ronald McDonald costume.
Jeffries and others had swarmed into the McDonald’s at Vann Ness Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown Wednesday morning to demand higher wages for workers.
Many of the demonstrators were from the advocacy group OurDC. One member, Alvin Merritt, gave a speech inside, slamming the company for what he says are low-wage jobs and excessive compensation for executives. He also called on the federal government to raise the minimum wage.
McDonald’s was the target because Merrit says “they’re one of the biggest offenders.”
But, he says all large companies should pay more.
“Wages need to be raised all across the country, not with just McDonald’s,” he says.
The protesters’ plan included trips to McDonald’s locations in Woodley Park and on Georgia Avenue near Howard University. They also planned a demonstration on Capitol Hill to show support for a new federal minimum wage law.
McDonald’s has responded with a statement:
“Both our company and franchised-owned restaurants work hard every day to treat McDonald’s employees with dignity and respect. Employees are paid competitive wages and have access to a range of benefits to meet their individual needs.
“In addition, employees who want to go from crew to management can take advantage of a variety of training and professional development opportunities.”
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