Friend –

Last Friday, I emailed you about McDonald's and its failure to provide adequate paid leave protections for its nearly 1 million employees – even in the worsening COVID-19 pandemic.

That same day, essential workers from some of America's largest companies led mass strikes for May Day, raising the alarm against unsafe work conditions during this health crisis.

Fights like these are far from over, and it's up to all of us who care to amplify the calls for change. That's why we're joining the Fight for $15 and SEIU to hold McDonald's accountable, and we hope you'll take action with us. Please add your name to our petition to demand the fast-food giant mandate paid sick and family leave for all employees.

Here are the facts: 47% of McDonald's workers who said they came to work while feeling sick did so because they can't afford to miss a paycheck. As of the end of April, dozens of its employees across the country have contracted the virus. It's clear: access to paid leave is critical to protecting the health and economic security of women, people of color, and other vulnerable communities, especially those working on the front-lines during this crisis. McDonald's failure to address these life-and-death concerns is reprehensible.

I hope you're with us. Together, we can put pressure on McDonald's to make a change for its workers. Sign our petition today.

Thank you for taking action,

Nicole

"My work at McDonald's has always been essential but my needs have never been recognized before or during COVID-19."

ACLU Supporter, these are the words of Gavi Ramirez, one of the thousands of McDonald's front-line workers still showing up every day in this pandemic with no form of paid sick or family leave.

And as massive waves of workers strike for better conditions on International Workers' Day today – May Day – we wanted to be sure you read what Gavi had to say.

No one should have to make the impossible choice of either endangering their life and the lives of others or keeping a job. But for 95% of McDonald's restaurants, there is currently no corporate mandate to provide any form of paid sick or family leave for their employees.

This wasn't acceptable before the COVID-19 outbreak, but now it's unconscionable. Especially when we know women and people of color, who are among the most impacted by a lack of paid leave access – also make up the majority of McDonald's employees.

That's why the ACLU, alongside the Fight for $15 and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), is demanding a change and amplifying the voices of workers like Gavi.

So please take a moment to learn more about this pressing issue and how you can take action with us to hold McDonald's accountable.

In solidarity,

Nicole Regalado
Deputy Director, Liberty Division, National Political Advocacy Department