New Bedford Standard Times

NEW BEDFORD — About 25 protesters rallied Thursday in front of the Burger King on Cove Road to bring attention to policies they say discourage unionization.

The protest also focused on Burger King's relationship to Goldman Sachs, a major Wall Street investment bank that took billions of dollars in federal bailout money and paid large bonuses to its executives. Goldman Sachs is a part-owner of Burger King.

The noontime protest was peaceful and appeared not to negatively impact the restaurant's lunchtime business.

Near its end, two city police officers arrived on the scene, but there was no action taken against the demonstrators who stuck to the public sidewalk in front of the restaurant at 1383 Cove Road in the South End.

Ian L. Mello, spokesman for the Coalition for Social Justice and the Coalition Against Poverty, said the demonstration was part of a national effort aimed at about 100 Burger King outlets throughout the U.S.

Sonny Eddleston of the local labor council of the United Steelworkers said the protest was tied to the AFL-CIO. Marlene Pollock, a community activist, college professor and member of the School Committee, was among the protesters.

The protesters held signs reading "Let's have it the employees' way," "Billions in bailout for Goldman Sachs, crumbs for Burger King Employees," and "Burger King and Goldman Sachs having it their way."

Mello said the protest was aimed at exposing how Burger King takes advantage of workers.

The local restaurant referred an inquiry to the company's corporate spokespeople. Denise Wilson, a spokeswoman at the Miami headquarters of Burger King, took questions but did not respond to them by deadline.

Mello said one key element of the protest was to "draw attention to the Employee Free Choice Act," which would simplify and possibly encourage union organizing efforts. He said: "Now, corporations have all the power. Connect the dots. ... Workers are struggling. It is essential to have a strong worker movement."

The protest focus on Goldman Sachs, which is a major investor in Burger King, according to union groups, contended that the Wall Street investment bank received $10 million in federal stimulus assistance, then paid billions in bonuses to its employees, while workers at Burger King are paid low wages.

Contact Joe Cohen at jcohen@s-t.com

Response from Burger King Corp.

Editor's note: The following is from a written statement submitted by Burger King Corp. after yesterday's story deadline

"Burger King Corp. is aware of protests that took place (Thursday) at seven Burger King restaurants in Mass. BKC believes unions serve a purpose in some workplaces and a number of its guests, vendors and franchisees have positive union membership experiences. BKC is not anti-union."

"BKC complies with all laws and regulations applicable to payment of wages"

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