Dustin Snyder, a former assistant general manager at a McDonald's in Bradford, Pa., led a walkout of his team to demand higher wages than $9.25 per hour -- one of 1,600 walkouts involving 100,000 workers that's happened since March 2020, according to paydayreport.com founder Mike Elk. The labor shortage and pandemic have provided the tipping point for workers in the fast-food sector who feel undervalued, underpaid and stigmatized by society, as highlighted by the stories of the workers who participated in the Bradford McDonald's walkout.

Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North and South Dakota, Alaska and Wyoming have filed a petition with the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals to oppose the Biden administration's mandate that large private businesses must require staff COVID-19 vaccination or pay for testing. The states argue that the mandate violates the US Constitution and the 10th Amendment.

Vitamins are essential for every bodily function, especially for breaking down macronutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrates, explains registered dietitian Kate Patton, who also says people can get their daily recommended allowance for vitamins from supplements if they are missing certain food groups. Among the vitamins and minerals that people need to have every day include vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, as well as calcium, iron and zinc.

An AARP survey of 1,000 voters age 25 and up showed that more than 60% are concerned about having enough funds to retire comfortably, and only 30% believe they will be able to accomplish that. Ninety percent said they feel government legislation should make it easier for people to save for retirement out of their employment earnings.

Employers should realize that employees prioritize appreciation, belonging, good co-workers, career potential, flexibility and autonomy, even if they do care about pay and benefits, says Aaron De Smet of McKinsey. Furthermore, the pandemic has changed people's perspectives and made them less receptive to being ordered to return to the old ways, say De Smet and other McKinsey experts.

My daughter’s first job was at a fast-food restaurant, a local favorite that had been around since I was a kid. At first, I was excited for her. I had fond memories of corn burritos, taquitos and milkshakes with my girlfriends and knew it was still a hot spot for young people to hang out. I was hoping she would have a fun experience working there.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that it was actually a toxic work environment. Frequent turnover, low pay and questionable behavior from some of the cooks and the restaurant owner frustrated her and worried me. Six months later, she quit and took a job at an office supply store.

I thought of Kawai’s experience when I read today’s top story about the Bradford McDonald’s. Working fast food is tough and the Great Resignation has exacerbated the issues facing employees in that industry. As their voices get louder, I expect we’ll see groundbreaking change to wages, policies and workplace environments.

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