Media release
3 March 2008
McDonald’s staff celebrate no more youth rates
Around 2000 McDonald's employees have a great reason to celebrate as they start work this week, with youth rates now a
thing of the past at McDonald's restaurants nationwide.
McDonald's announced in September last year that it would remove youth rates from 1 March 2008, and that there would be
no 200 hour or three month qualifying period at McDonald's.
Managing Director Mark Hawthorne says the company is committed to being the number one employer in the retail and quick
service restaurant sector, and that the decision to remove youth rates in another positive step in this direction
"We recently audited the number of people on our books and were very pleased to see that this has climbed to 7500 people
across New Zealand. Two years ago we were sitting at 6000 employees, and in this tight employment market, we believe
that's a real achievement.
"McDonald's has always stood for excellent training and development – our youth rate policy from 1 March also
demonstrates that we are absolutely serious about being an employer of choice," says Mark.
Around 2000 of the company's 7500 employees are affected by the youth rate change.
"It's a great decision for our staff, and I have no doubt our company will benefit as a result. Even those employees who
aren't directly impacted by the youth rate decision can feel pleased for their co-workers."
ENDS