Burger King workers near Atlanta are getting sick due to working without AC in 95-degree heat.
Burger King workers near Atlanta are getting sick due to working without AC in 95-degree heat.
Unbearable Heat Conditions at Burger King Spark Worker Rally
Decatur, Georgia – Burger King employees in Decatur, Georgia, have taken a stand against the unbearable working conditions they have been facing due to broken air conditioning (AC) equipment. Temperatures soared to a scorching 95 degrees Fahrenheit in Atlanta, prompting workers to rally outside the restaurant alongside employees from Dollar General and other service stores, with support from the Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW).
The issue stems from equipment failures, exacerbating the sweltering heat and making it almost impossible for employees to carry out their tasks. Arnice Sykes, a Burger King employee and USSW member, spoke out about the dire situation, saying, “The exhaust over the grill doesn’t even work. I have lupus and other serious health conditions. I can’t work in these conditions. I’ve told management, and nothing was done.”
The USSW plans to file a complaint with the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), pointing out the franchise owner’s negligence in maintaining the ventilation systems, which has resulted in workers falling ill. Burger King has not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter.
The rally also saw the presence of a former Dollar General worker who claimed to have lost her job after raising concerns about high temperatures in her store. Tay Milsap, the former employee, expressed her discomfort working without air conditioning, stating, “I would feel nauseous, my head would start hurting, and they would tell me to stand in front of the fan. But it didn’t help at all. We needed AC.”
These incidents highlight the ongoing health risks faced by fast food workers, particularly in establishments without adequate cooling systems. Record-breaking extreme heatwaves have intensified the heat-related challenges faced by employees in the industry.
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Last week, workers at McDonald’s locations in Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles walked out in protest of working conditions without AC during heatwaves. Meanwhile, in Italy, unionized McDonald’s workers staged a strike as temperatures soared to a scorching 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The issue of inadequate cooling systems in workplaces raises serious concerns about employee well-being and underscores the need for employers to prioritize the health and safety of their workers. It is crucial for companies to invest in functional and effective ventilation systems to ensure a comfortable and safe working environment for their employees.
Conclusion
The rally held by Burger King employees in Decatur, Georgia, along with workers from other service stores, highlights the dire working conditions faced by fast food workers due to broken AC equipment. The extreme heat, combined with equipment failures, has made it unbearable for employees to perform their duties. This situation emphasizes the need for companies to prioritize the health and safety of their workers by investing in adequate cooling systems. The voices of the workers and their rally serve as a reminder that employees deserve a comfortable and safe working environment, even in the sweltering summer heat.
