Why TikTok Is Debating McDonald's Wages After A Drive-Thru Record

Employees receiving the appropriate compensation has been a decades-long battle in America and a viral TikTok filmed at a McDonald's has reignited concerns about the treatment and payment of fast food workers.

In the clip, uploaded by TikToker @funksmcdonalds — which has gaining over 767,000 views as of writing — employees at a McDonald's (location undisclosed) are seen jumping and cheering after serving 141 vehicles in just one hour. However, not all of the TikTok viewers were impressed by the speed and efficiency in which the orders were completed. 

While some commenters praised the tenacious work of the staff, others were more concerned about the high demand placed on them, having to deal with so many customers in such a short stretch of time — as one commenter points out, "That's almost 2 every minute" — and the amount of pay they receive for such dedication. Of course, as the The New York Times reports, this is something that McDonald's continues to receive criticism for.

Many of the replies to the TikTok commented on how much the employees make for their hard work, with guesstimates on their pay rate ranging from about $7.50 to $10 an hour. "You'll never catch me working this hard for minimum wage," wrote on user on the platform. Another commenter added, "Owners laughing all the way to the bank. Sad."

One TikToker even suggested that the 141 orders could have brought in up to $2,000, arguing that the workers' cut would be far less. Another replier believes there is no incentive to work hard at McDonald's because of low pay. However, comments also praise the work rate of the servers, describing it as "impressive," "amazing," and "awesome."

McDonald's is no stranger to criticism of its payment of workers. The New York Times details that the mighty corporation has agreed to boost minimum payment of its company-owned restaurants to an average of $13 an hour — although this falls short of the demands made by Fight for $15, a group campaigning for a minimum wage of $15 an hour, and doesn't apply to the 95% of McDonald's restaurants operated by franchisees.