Written by Åsmund Løvdal.
Activists from the Youth Fight for Jobs campaign protested against the use of zero-hour contracts and for a higher minimum wage outside McDonalds on Cornhill on Saturday 29 March.
The protest was part of a nationwide day of action organised by the campaign in over 20 cities across Britain.
Activist Nick Parker said widespread use of zero-hour contracts and low wages slows down the economic recovery and makes young people’s life hard.
“The Chancellor is praising the recovery but millions of Britons are on zero-hour contracts that offer them little or no security. It is not only used in fast food restaurants but in many different professions like security guards and cleaners. Even universities employ hourly paid tutors.”
“The national minimum wage should be raised to £10, it would make it easier for young people to establish themselves and they get money to spend that will boost economic activity and be a good thing for all.”
Mr Parker also said that they chose to target McDonalds because they claim the fast food chain are notorious in employing people on zero-hour contracts, but they also campaign against other companies.
“We want big companies like McDonalds to offer their employees proper contracts and decent wages. It will mean a little less money for the bosses at the top but better lives for working class people in Britain.”