Strike for Black Lives targets McDonald's

Protesters marched on a McDonald's restaurant in Oakland, California today. The action was part of today's “Strike for Black Lives” a nationwide action that organizers say are taking place in 100 cities across the country. McDonald's and other fast food restaurants were targeted for not taking adequate precautions against Covid-19 for their workers, predominantly Black and Brown people.

Protesters marched up Telegraph Avenue and into the parking lot at the McDonald's at Telegraph and 45th Street. They proceeded to block off the drive through with big signs that read that the restaurant was closed due to Covid health hazards.

According to a report in the Washington Post, the strikers are calling for “an unequivocal declaration that Black Lives Matter” from business and political leaders, and urging government officials to “re-imagine our economy and democracy” with civil rights in mind. Organizers also are calling on businesses to “dismantle racism, white supremacy, and economic exploitation” and ensure access to union organizing, according to a list of demands posted on the strike’s website, reported the Washington Post.

This is the first call for a general strike on a social issue in living memory that includes significant union involvement. The strike is spearheaded by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Movement for Black lives. A number of important unions have endorsed the action, including the Teamsters, unions representing teachers, farm workers, supermarket, communication, restaurant, hotel, workers, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Jobs with Justice, and Fight for $15 and a Union.

Many social justice organizations also endorsed today's strike including the Poor People's Movement, CODE PINK, Move On, Progressive Democrats of America, and the Blackout Collective. Major environmental groups also endorsed the strike including 350.org, the Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and the League of Conservation Voters.

For more information: https://j20strikeforblacklives.org/