Workers at Wetherspoons, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and Taco Bell have come together to demand 100% pay during the coronavirus lockdown.
The chains have said their wages will be covered up to 80% by using the Government's workers' support package, but is not offering them more than that. The 20% cut in wages is particularly galling when staff at the likes of Greggs and Costa Coffee will be paid in full.
As well as virtual protests, campaigners have launched an online tool letting members of the public email the chief executives of each firm letting them know exactly what they think of the decision to cut their staff's pay.
Campaign group War on Want said: "In the UK, low wage and insecure hospitality and fast food workers have been facing unemployment as Covid-19 lockdown closed their workplaces.
"The UK Government has stepped in to provide wage support for 80% of their wages to their employers.
"However, wealthy and profitable employers, such as McDonald’s, Wetherspoons, Burger King, KFC and Taco bell, are refusing to top up their workers’ income."
War on Want added that many of these workers are already on minimum wage, making the extra 20% cut on top "devastating".
Wetherspoons employee Jade said: "I need to pay my rent, I need to pay my bills. Receiving only 80% puts me at risk of not being able to pay either of those."
She added: "Having been homeless before, it's not something I would ever want to go back to and I wouldn't wish it on any other person."
McDonald's worker Melissa added: "Our bills still have to be paid, our rent has to be paid. There is too much money going out for us to take a 20% cut in wages.
"Our employer has a moral responsibility to to make sure that we are able to sustain our lives. Because, at the end of the day, we got them where they are.
"It's time for them to give back."
If you want to get involved, you can sign up here to send your thought to the chains' chief executives.
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