Protesters storm local McDonald’s over fired worker
10/31/13
SAN DIEGO – Protestors stormed a McDonald’s franchise downtown Thursday afternoon, demanding justice for an employee they say was fired under the guise of feeding the homeless, but was really let go for political reasons.
Leobardo Meza was terminated on October 14after working there for six years. He said it was not because he gave away free food – which was a common and overlooked practice – but because he participated in the recent nationwide strike to raise minimum wage to $15.
“I don’t want to fight,” said Leobardo Meza. “I am only fighting for my rights.”
Protest organizer Tony Perez said Leobardo was being retaliated against.
“Leobardo was one of the few from McDonald’s participated in the nationwide strike on August 29 downtown in front of Wendy’s,” Perez said.
On Thursday, the rally started on the San Diego City College campus and then made its way across the street to McDonald’s on Park Avenue, blocking entry in the fast food restaurant.
A half dozen police officers stood watch, while at least 200 protesters, some in Halloween costumes, were carrying signs that read “ stand with Leobardo.”
Eventually, the group barged into the restaurant and confronted management.
“We went in and we told them the situation,” said Perez. “We told them we feel Leobardo was unjustly fired and terminated for a practice that is well established which is feeding the homeless.”
“It’s important. This is case where somebody was unjustly fired,” said activist Dave Lagstein. “A lot of people are coming to stand up.”
The continuing campaign “Fight for $15” is demanding hirer wages and better working conditions for fast food employees.
“The wages McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants are paying are not enough to feed a family,” explained Lagstein. “We think the community need to stand behind him.”
McDonald’s issued a statement saying, in part, “the accusations are absolutely false.”
McDonald’s management listened to the protestors Thursday, but did not agree to their demands.
“We informed them this would continue until Leobardo gets his job back,” Perez said.
The next protest is already planned for Thursday November 7 at 2 p.m.
10/31/13
SAN DIEGO – Protestors stormed a McDonald’s franchise downtown Thursday afternoon, demanding justice for an employee they say was fired under the guise of feeding the homeless, but was really let go for political reasons.
Leobardo Meza was terminated on October 14after working there for six years. He said it was not because he gave away free food – which was a common and overlooked practice – but because he participated in the recent nationwide strike to raise minimum wage to $15.
“I don’t want to fight,” said Leobardo Meza. “I am only fighting for my rights.”
Protest organizer Tony Perez said Leobardo was being retaliated against.
“Leobardo was one of the few from McDonald’s participated in the nationwide strike on August 29 downtown in front of Wendy’s,” Perez said.
On Thursday, the rally started on the San Diego City College campus and then made its way across the street to McDonald’s on Park Avenue, blocking entry in the fast food restaurant.
A half dozen police officers stood watch, while at least 200 protesters, some in Halloween costumes, were carrying signs that read “ stand with Leobardo.”
Eventually, the group barged into the restaurant and confronted management.
“We went in and we told them the situation,” said Perez. “We told them we feel Leobardo was unjustly fired and terminated for a practice that is well established which is feeding the homeless.”
“It’s important. This is case where somebody was unjustly fired,” said activist Dave Lagstein. “A lot of people are coming to stand up.”
The continuing campaign “Fight for $15” is demanding hirer wages and better working conditions for fast food employees.
“The wages McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants are paying are not enough to feed a family,” explained Lagstein. “We think the community need to stand behind him.”
McDonald’s issued a statement saying, in part, “the accusations are absolutely false.”
McDonald’s management listened to the protestors Thursday, but did not agree to their demands.
“We informed them this would continue until Leobardo gets his job back,” Perez said.
The next protest is already planned for Thursday November 7 at 2 p.m.
