Waffle House Workers Strike for Fair Pay and Better Working Conditions

Waffle House workers in Conyers, Georgia, are now on their third day of striking over what they call the company’s unfair policies. Led by the Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW), Waffle House employees are demanding an end to the mandatory “meal credit” deductions from their paychecks, along with better wages and improved working conditions.

This unforeseen strike, which began on Monday, has gained momentum as more workers continue to rally outside of various Waffle House locations. At the heart of their protest is the company’s practice of deducting a minimum of $3 from workers’ pay for meals, regardless of whether they actually eat. This policy, according to the USSW, could amount to nearly $30 million annually nationwide.

In addition to ending the meal credit deductions, workers are calling for cleaner and safer workplaces, fair scheduling, and a minimum wage of $25 per hour for all employees. They also demand a say in decisions affecting their working conditions.

Cindy Smith, a Waffle House employee in Atlanta, expressed frustration with the company’s stance, stating that workers are tired of being shortchanged. With wages as low as $2.90 an hour before tips, losing $3 per shift significantly impacts their livelihoods.

To amplify their demands, the USSW has filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Labor, urging an investigation into Waffle House’s meal credit policy. The petition highlights how the company’s practices often prevent workers from actually enjoying the meals for which they’re charged, as they’re rarely provided with meal breaks during their shifts.

Now, with over 13,000 signatures on the petition, the strike underscores the determination of Waffle House workers to secure fair treatment and better working conditions. As they continue their fight, they remain united in their resolve to hold the company accountable and enact meaningful change.