Shelters and McDonalds

[bryant69]

Last night I was at my church which is being used as a shelter for the time being. Basically I was up there to help out if anything happened, to make sure the hallways were clear for fire code reasons, and what not. People were very well behaved and the local red cross people were extremely well organized so I didn't end up having to do anything (well I did lock the doors for them aroud 9:30 (doors in - they still open out).

One thing I saw that I found just a touch disturbing however, was they had a table of fliers and pamphlets. Most were what you would expect; helping your kids in times of crisis and getting aid and what not. But in the middle of the table and a little to the right was a nice stack of fliers touting the possibility of employment at McDonalds.

Now I do understand that the people do want to work and find some job; so maybe that's more of a positive thing; but it still rubbed me the wrong way. I didn't say anything; I reckoned that the shelter workers probably had enough on their minds without questioning that.

Anybody else have any thoughts on that?

Bryant
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[theboss]

1. What's wrong with it?

It's probably as good a temporary job as you can come up with.

[HeeBGBz]

2. Thousands have no place to work

I bet some were happy to see those possibilities available.

[leveymg]

3. I completely understand your reaction.

But, I'm afraid that I have to agree that it may be the best available work, at least temporarily, for a lot of the victims.

[bryant69]

7. Well that's probably right

I have worked at mcdonald's myself back way back when I was young - it sucked. But better than nothing, I know.

[rodeodance]

4. lets face it--many of the evacuees we saw on TV do not seem to

be skilled workers. Many were single moms with kids, the elderly.
I too am ambivilant about a McDonald's job.

[ret5hd]

5. were those the only employment fliers/info available? ...

if so, i almost agree with you...it rubs me wrong also. you know, low expectations, etc.

however, if there was a variety of employment info, including info for the state employment commission, i got no prob at all (even tho i despise mcd's and NEVER eat there)

[justabob]

6. It may not be the greatest opportunity

but it is something. I know I looked for a job starting in May and only just got a job (part-time)last week, and I was looking in the same 'unskilled' labor market a lot of these folks are in.

[pop goes the weasel]

8. Good for McDonald's

If McDonald's is going to make an effort to hire evacuees, I can only applaud them. Imagine how difficult it is going to be for evacuees to find jobs. They have no past records--they are lucky if they have their Louisiana state ID. Their references are dispersed to various shelters and their past employers are out of business due to flood damage. I give props to any potential employer who will work through all that.