Friday, August 19, 2005

Hong Kong: McDonald's McWages

Reports today in English-language and Chinese local newspapers about low wages and poverty in Hong Kong. No surprise, among the companies surveyed: McDonald's pays the lowest wages in Hong Kong - HK$15 an hour. McDonald's and a company called Lo's Cleaning Services, which has numerous cleaning contracts in private housing estates, public transport and government departments. According to the South China Morning Post (paid, no link):
An hour's pay for a junior McDonald's staff member is not enough to buy the fast-food chain's cheapest combo meal. McDonald's pays its staff $15 an hour - the lowest rate found in a union survey of 80 companies - compared with $20.30 for a Sausage McMuffin with fries and soda.
McDonald's Hong Kong website is entertaining. Found on their People Philosophy webpage:
People Promise: "We Value You, Your Growth and Your Contributions"
Yeah, right.

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