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Join the international campaign to force McDonald's to reinstate Gahyun Lee and respect labour rights. Send your message today.
Ottawa (27 Nov. 2014) — Through the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Resaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Association (IUF), the violence of labour rights by McDonalds is getting worldwide attention. Reports from IUF detail that on September 15, Gahyun Lee was dismissed from her job at a McDonald's outlet in Yeokgok, Gyeonggi Province, following her visit to Los Angeles earlier that month to support the national action by U.S. fast-food workers.
Labour rights under attack by McDonalds
Management had previously warned her about union activity in May—citing a phone call from the head office—after she denounced wage and scheduling manipulation and unsafe workplace practices at a May 15 Seoul rally in support of global fast food workers.
Management refused to provide her with an explanation of why her contract was terminated, instead telling her to reapply for the job. Her application was rejected.
The Arbeit Workers' Union (which organizes precarious workers) is demanding her reinstatement and publicizing her case. You can support them by sending this message to McDonald's Korea corporate management, calling on the company to reinstate Gahyun Lee, recognize union rights and representation, and enter into good faith talks with the union over unfair practices.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE