January 4, 2023 ☼ labor ☼ mcdonalds ☼ automation
Source: FreeThink (Link)
The bottom line: Some have criticized the new highly automated restaurant, arguing that McDonald’s is opting to install expensive automation systems to replace employees.
However, a spokesperson for McDonald’s told the Guardian that the test restaurant has a staff comparable to that of any other store — the difference is that crew members are all focused on making and packaging orders rather than taking or delivering them.
Some folks will say this is what happens when workers demand too much, but McD says not. This has obviously been in the works long before the “great resignation” gave workers an edge. I think it remains to be seen what happens.