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Here’s what striking McDonald’s workers had to say outside Parliament

Around 40 workers walked out on Monday to protest against low wages and conditions.
Around 40 workers walked out on Monday to protest against low wages and conditions. Around 40 workers walked out on Monday to protest against low wages and conditions.

McDonald’s staff rallied outside Westminster on Monday, as part of the company’s first ever UK strike.

Workers in Cambridge and Crayford, south-east London, walked out over zero-hours contracts, low pay and union rights.

They’re calling for a wage increase to £10 an hour and more secure working conditions.

Jeremy Corbyn backed the strike and said the participants were “making history”, while shadow chancellor John McDonnell joined the rally.

One McDonald’s employee said: “I’m striking to get better pay at the workplace because we’re on like £5 an hour, and to get better working conditions as well.”

One woman, who attended the rally dressed as the restaurant’s mascot, said: “There’s so many McDonald’s workers that just can’t get by on the wages that they’re given.”

A spokesman for the chain said: “As per the terms of the ballot, the dispute is solely related to our internal grievance procedures and not concerning pay or contracts.

“As announced in April this year, together with our franchisees, we are providing our people with the option of a guaranteed hour contract, and all restaurants will have these contracts in place by the end of 2017.

“McDonald’s UK and its franchisees have delivered three pay rises since April 2016; this has increased the average hourly pay rate by 15%.”