http://www.theglobeandmail.com/B.C. teens take on McDonald's empire
Two Grade 12 students and many of their
colleagues are before the B.C. Labour Relations
Board fighting to make their workplace become
the first McDonald's restaurant in the province
to be unionized, and part of a growing trend of
workers in the service industry demanding better
conditions from their employers.
"It's a nervous experience taking them on
because they are a big corporation, but we think
we can do it," Jennifer Weibe, 17, said Monday.
Ms. Weibe turned up for work at the McDonald's
restaurant in Squamish, B.C., with cramps and
nausea. She said she was not allowed to leave,
and had to sit in the bathroom until a
replacement was found, two hours later.
Ms. Weibe and her colleague Tessa Lowinger, 16,
who said she had a similar experience,
approached the Canadian Auto Workers union in
July for help.
The franchise holder of the fast-food restaurant
is contesting the CAW's application, arguing
that the union does not have the support of 55
per cent of the employees required to be
recognized as the bargaining unit.
The application hearings are scheduled to start
Tuesday and last four days.
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