McDonald's Flips Its Arches On Women's Day, Draws Ire

McDonald's flipped its arches upside down this Women's Day. But instead of being lauded for its effort, it was heavily criticised on social media.

Many users said that instead of making hollow gestures, people are calling out the company for not actually implementing policies which are beneficial to women

The McDonalds’s in Lynwood, California, USA, has turned its arches upside down to signify a ‘W’ for women’s day. It also showed its employees wearing the flipped logo and hats at 100 locations worldwide.

"We have a long history of supporting women in the workplace, giving them the opportunity to grow and succeed," says Altmin. "In the US, we take pride in our diversity and we are proud to share that today, six out of 10 restaurant managers are women,” said franchisee Patricia Williams.

Today, we flip our Golden Arches to celebrate the women who have chosen McDonald's to be a part of their story, like the Williams family. In the U.S. we’re proud to share that 6 out of 10 restaurant managers are women. https://t.co/6z88OhjXpO pic.twitter.com/hXfOi3wWQf

— McDonald's (@McDonalds) March 8, 2018

"For the first time in our brand history, we flipped our iconic arches for International Women's Day in honor of the extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere and especially in our restaurants," said Wendy Lewis, McDonald's Chief Diversity Officer, in a statement. "From restaurant crew and management to our C-suite of senior leadership, women play invaluable roles at all levels and together with our independent franchise owners we're committed to their success."

But this seemingly feminist gesture was met with a lot of flak on social media. And here’s why:

People also sharing their own stories of how McDonalds has treated its women employees, including the story of how it fired a woman just for being one month pregnant

i cant be the only person wondering how mcdonalds can just go ahead and turn its giant arches upside down whenever they feel like it

— Jessica Smetana (@jessica_smetana) March 8, 2018

Hey @McDonalds, instead of empty gestures like flipping your arches, how about improving working conditions for your women workers?#IWD2018 #McStrike pic.twitter.com/BvGGgu1IPI

— Momentum 🌹 (@PeoplesMomentum) March 8, 2018

I remember when McDonalds, I mean WcDonalds, fired my friend within one week when she told the manager she's pregnant. I love them and their fight for Women's Rights And Equality???. Thank you for your service, WcDonalds.??

— ? (@westeastindian) March 8, 2018

“In my experience as a McDonalds worker, they treat women poorly” Ariadna Salgado, McDs worker #IWD2018 #internationalwomensday #FightFor15 pic.twitter.com/IVNOQ7uNTV

— Fight For 15 Chicago (@chifightfor15) March 8, 2018

So what do you think? Are the flipped arches conveying enough? Or they just a futile PR exercise? On a closer look, does it seem like the company has a long history of supporting women? Write in with your comments.

Also Read: Yes! Food Sexism Exists And PepsiCo’s Lady Doritos Has Proved It

Picture Credit: CNN Money