I love a good burger as much as anybody. And I love a good bargain. But I cannot understand all the criticism of fast food and hospitality workers’ strikes for better pay last week.
These strikes are a learning opportunity for the rest of us. A chance to understand workplace conditions, corporations’ public relations vulnerability and politicians’ pre-election desperation. Which is why I spoke with fast food workers at last Thursday's protest to understand the lessons they've learned about organizing for social justice:
1. Organizing for social change changes the organizer.
Carde Boles, who supports himself and his daughter, works at a fast food burger chain. He describes himself as a hard worker, saying, “I like to work hard. It makes the day go faster.” At work, he finds things to keep busy, like scrubbing the dining area floor when he notices it’s dirty. But he doesn’t feel appreciated or respected.
