McDonald's staff threaten strike action

McDonald's had offered a 25-cent pay rise across the board, which was not enough, given the company had reported an almost $32 million annual profit, he said. The proposed pay rise was less than an eighth of the cost of one of the fast-food chain's cheapest items, a small serving of fries at $2.20.

Carolan said McDonald's workers wanted parity with staff at KFC, where pay rates were considerably higher. For example, KFC employees received a $1 pay rise on the minimum wage after about six months in the job, compared with a 25c lift at McDonald's.

Staff were also seeking more security on working hours as the company did not guarantee staff 40 hours of work a week.