From what I have read on this site (And very good it is too), there seems to be a split between what people think about
working in McDonalds in the UK especially. Most of the problems people found during the McLibel case (Early 80s
workers especially) was with company run stores, 'McOps Co' (I think) They have to do everything by the book
which means working crew as hard as possible to make more profits. Also the tasks that are completed by crew have
to be to the set standard done in the set time etc. There is no room for individuality or little rests or acceptable breaks. I
have experienced working in both companmy stores and franchised stores. Working in a franchised McDonalds is much different - you don't actually work for McDonalds so the rules are
basically made by your franchisee. The employee hand book is different as are break allowances and shift patterns and
the way in which the store is generally run. I find that my current store (The one i work in) is far nicer than the
compnay one i worked in, it is far more relaxed although just as busy - staff are treated very well. Managers are all
approachable. Tasks are completed in such a way that they still conform to the basic mcd outlines but are made easier
for the crew. You get to eat what you like on your breaks - you CAN bring your own food in to the store, you don't
have to take your break when you are told to, they stick to employment laws and extra shifts are rewarded on a 'we
love you for working late for us' basis - If I work later for them then I get something in return be it an earlier finish or
a requested day off or th em turning a blind eye to tardiness. Our store paid time and a half to any crew member
working during the Big Mac offer which was nice.
Anyway sorry to bore you all to tears -
