July 9th 2023.
On the morning of July 8th, workers at a Waffle House in Columbia, South Carolina, decided to take a stand against their working conditions. After picking up signs to demonstrate their discontent, the employees began a three-day strike.
The strike is being supported by the Union of Southern Service Workers, an organization that was founded to advocate for low-wage workers in the food and service industry. They are asking for better on-site security, more regulated scheduling, and an end to the mandatory deduction of meal costs from employees’ paychecks, even if they don’t end up eating during their shift.
Marshawna Parker, who has been employed with the breakfast chain for more than two decades, is one of the many employees taking part in the strike. She told The State that there is “no excuse” for the restaurant not to have better security. She believes that the security should be present at all times, just like the restaurant’s almost nationwide operating hours.
Waffle Houses across the southern region have been at the center of multiple fights and shootings, which is why the New York Times has even covered this rising problem.
The employees are also protesting the meal deductions, a fee that is taken out of their paychecks – ranging from $3 to $6 – for a meal during their shift, whether they eat it or not. They are often too busy to make use of the meal option, and they would prefer if it was opt-in only.
The workers sent a petition to management about their grievances, but the only response was silence. Frustrated with the lack of action, the employees decided to organize a strike in the hopes of finding a resolution to their issues.
The workers on the picket line have been greatly encouraged by the presence of other USSW members in South Carolina, including those from other Waffle Houses. Together, they are working to create better wages and safer work environments.
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