McDonald's urged to expand senior, PWD hiring program

THE Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) has called on fastfood chain McDonald’s to expand its hiring program for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

In a statement, ALU-TUCP executive vice president Gerard Seno said they are hoping that the McDonald’s management will extend the program and apply its hiring scheme in other stores nationwide.

"Expanding the policy to other McDonald’s branches nationwide will provide hope to other PWDs and senior citizens, who are often ignored by other local government unit and businesses, even if they remain productive citizens," said Seno.

Aside from giving hope to the two sectors, the labor group said the hiring scheme shall encourage other firms to replicate the employment policy.

"The policy extension will discourage discrimination and raise the business practice standards and compel other firms to do the same,” Seno said.

The call comes after McDonald’s and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno forged an agreement for the fastfood chain to hire resident senior citizens and PWDs in its stores in the city.

Under the agreement, McDonald’s will be providing employment to around 120 PWDs and senior citizens to work as order presenters, drink drawers, table managers, and guest relations staff for four hours per day in 40 stores located in the city.

Each senior citizen or PWD will get a salary of P5,000 a month, equivalent 13th month pay, and insurance.

"Hiring senior citizens, and persons with disability, physically challenged but fit to work and highly productive individuals, to work in McDonald's branches in Manila is commendable company policy," said Seno. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)