McDonalds Corp. conducted its much-publicized one-day, national hiring event Tuesday. Seeking to hire up to 50,000 employees, both full-time and part-time, the fast-food giant and its franchisees state that, while many of the jobs are of the minimum wage variety, sometimes sarcastically referred to as “McJobs,” managerial level positions are also available. Thousands arrived at McDonalds Restaurants across the country to apply for positions, many of which, according to McDonalds, are entry-level, but capable of leading to larger opportunities. While the company usually hires more employees at this time of year, prior to the summer traveling season, this event is different in that all the hiring is getting done in one day. A McDonalds executive stated that most McDonalds restaurant franchises pay more than the minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour, nationally.
While it’s hopeful that many will be able to obtain much-needed jobs, even if on a temporary basis, the hiring event is also a sad commentary on the state of the nation’s economy. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age of a fast-food worker is almost 30 years old, up from 22 in 2000.
Is this the new normal?