Amid the war in Ukraine, McDonald’s was forced to temporarily close 108 of its restaurants there.
But the good thing is that the company continues to pay these employees as their country is invaded by Russia. McDonald’s has also invested millions of dollars in a fund that helps employees in times of need.
“We continue to pay full salaries to our Ukrainian employees and have donated $5 million to our Employee Relief Fund, and we continue to support the International Red Cross relief efforts in the region,” McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczynski said in a statement. letter to employees. “We have been overwhelmed by the offers of support throughout the system, and thank you for your generous contribution to date.”
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Despite closing 850 restaurants in Russia, McDonalds will also continue to pay its 62,000 employees “who put their heart and soul into our McDonald’s brand,” Kempchinski said.
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In a recent regulatory filing, McDonald’s said its restaurants in Russia and Ukraine generate 9% of annual revenue, or about $2 billion last year.
“At the same time, our values mean that we cannot ignore the senseless human suffering going on in Ukraine,” Kempczynski said in his letter. “A few years ago, faced with a difficult decision, Fred Turner explained his approach very simply: “Do the right thing.” This philosophy is enshrined as one of our five guiding values, and over the years of McDonald’s Corporation there have been countless examples where McDonald’s Corporation has lived up to Fred’s simple ideal. Today is also one of those days.
Kempchinski also said the burger brand will continue to focus on how it can help not only its employees, but refugees as well.
“Across the rest of Europe, we will be focusing on how McDonald’s can best help those in need now and in the future,” Kempchindki said. “We have already seen outstanding leadership from our Ukrainian and Russian teams and I know the rest of the McDonald’s system is ready to support the large number of refugees who have been displaced by this conflict.”
To learn more about Ukraine, check out Here’s How McDonald’s and KFC Are Helping Ukraine.
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