McDonald’s team from Bracken Ridge plea for licensee to stay
Meet the McDonald’s crew – all over 30 – who could be the ‘oldest’ working fast food team in Australia. Sixteen mums are among those who fear their days on the job are numbered.
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ABOUT 30 older McDonald’s crew members fear they will lose their jobs after the licence for the Bracken Ridge restaurant is renewed next month.
The licence has been held by Rod Chiapello for more than 20 years but it is unclear if he will retain it when it expires on June 30.
McDonald’s Australia did not respond to questions and Mr Chiapello, while stating he has “absolutely no intention of leaving”, also notes there are a few within the company who have “an alternative view”.
This uncertainty has caused concern among the 110 employees at the fast food restaurant.
Crew member Jon Twartz, who is 46, said 50 to 60 per cent of staff, who are mostly casual workers, are over 18, and more than 30 (mostly crew members) are over the age of 25. There are 16 mums and 26 university and TAFE students.
“Even the manager’s mum works there and she’s over 70,” Mr Twartz said.
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He said the older crew members believed they wouldn’t have a job at McDonald’s if not for Mr Chiapello.
“I’m definitely worried about my job. I won’t get another where they pay me like he does,” Mr Twartz said.
“All of us, especially over the age of 25, don’t believe we will keep our jobs. Go to any McDonald’s store – have you ever seen a crew member who’s 50 or 70?
“That’s what makes Rod’s store so much better – the customer service skills. It teaches the younger staff to be good behind the counter because they see it from us.
“I would not be able to get a job in any other McDonald’s in Australia or the world.”
It’s not easy to find information on age breakdowns of McDonald’s Australia staff.
However a 2012 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report stated the majority of crew members (67 per cent) were between 14 and 18 years and another 20 per cent were between 19 and 21 years. The majority of restaurant managers (86 per cent) were between 18 and 30.
In 2018, McDonald’s Australia CEO Andrew Gregory told ABC’s 7.30 there was no widespread practice of reducing shifts for workers as they grew older in a bid to cut costs and hire younger staff.
“Half of the workers in our restaurants are over 18, and it’s not good business practice for us to not employ those people over 18. We need them to run our restaurants,” he said at the time.
Mr Twartz is on a disability pension and works about 15 hours a week at the Bracken Ridge restaurant. However he gets paid even when he’s too sick to work.
“I had sepsis seven years ago which caused major organ failure and destroyed my arms, hands and legs.
“I’ve worked there four years. I’ve been in hospital 15 times during those four years, seven times in the last year. Each time, Rod’s paid my wages.
“My car broke down in December last year. Rod told me to take it to his mechanic. I was told it was stuffed.
“Rod said here have a car, you can use it as long as you need. He’s taken it away to get it serviced. He borrows it sometimes but he refuses to let me pay for the petrol he uses.”
Mr Twartz said the Bracken Ridge restaurant was unique.
“There’s not one Macca’s in Australia that’s like it.
“I’m sure other stores don’t employ 110 staff. He’d probably have the largest wage bill in Queensland.”
The 2012 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report stated McDonald’s restaurants averaged about 80 to 100 crew and managers.
Here’s what some of the other older McDonald’s Bracken Ridge crew members had to say:
Terri Smithard, 52 of Stafford
Eleven and half years ago I needed to return to the workforce. I had no experience in retail and was of a mature age. I approached local McDonald’s legend Rod Chiapello. He said he would give me a go and he did.
During the ensuing years Rod has always given me support and understanding in both my working and personal life. He has created a wonderful team here at Bracken Ridge McDonald’s and the loyalty he has given to the local community is well known and is returned by them.
Bracken Ridge McDonald’s is second to none and the “busyness” of this little corner of the shopping centre speaks for itself. Our team at Bracken Ridge need our jobs and Rod provides us with job security and support, therefore we would like to have Rod remain at the “helm”.
Louise Gordon, 49, of Bracken Ridge
Being older, it has been hard for me to find work. Rod believes in equality so everyone, regardless of age or gender, has the same opportunities in his restaurant.
Rod has loaned me a car when mine was written off due to an accident. He also supported my son when his partner was diagnosed with cancer; he paid their rent so they could concentrate on her getting better. When my other son broke his hand, he still paid him a weekly wage so that covered his costs with his car etc.
This job is important to me because I feel as if I am making a difference to everyone around me. I love the relationships that I have made with many of the customers who come into the store, as well as the team I work with. It has also been good for my mental health to be working again.
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Julie Poole, 49, of Deagon
I was a stay at home mum and unemployed for a number of years due to being a family carer. Rod gave me the opportunity of employment when no-one else would. During more than 10 years working for Rod I have seen countless times his generosity towards the community and staff. I personally have been paid after going home sick; never expected it. He has paid part of my long service early so I could take a week off for an event.
Rod has also helped out people when their cars broke down. He has also taken water to emergency services when there has been an accident near the store. There are countless things he has done for his staff and the community. He doesn’t ask for a thank you.
Being in the more mature age group it will be very hard to find other employment. I don’t have degrees or the experience to go into other fields. Having been the full-time career of a family member for many years, study and employment were not an option for me. The crew at Macca’s have become like family. I have watched the young ones come in to the Macca’s world and mature into amazing young adults. That to me is what a job should be.
Why is this job important to me? I love what I do, all the crew (we are a family) and our beautiful customers. The work environment is always happy and friendly. Rod has an energy that is quite unique to most, always on the move stopping to chat to customers. It gives people the motivation to do the same. He is always looking for ways to help out the community.
Cassie Jackson, 31, of Bray Park
I have worked for Rod for nine years.
The amazing factor of working for Rod is firstly the atmosphere – the atmosphere in the store is bright, fun and caring. As a mother of four children he has allowed me to be able to get shifts that work around children, school, sports events and school events. When time is needed off due to family commitments or health commitments Rod is willing to help in any way possible, either by paying me for a shift or even just a chat.
He has helped me in struggling times also.
I’ve spent nine years watching Rod interact with customers, going out of his way to see how they are and having a chat with them. I have watched him contribute to so many charities. I have watched and also helped him set up food for local sporting associations, schools etc which he goes above and beyond for.
Rod losing his store will not only be a loss for him but for the thousands of community members who came into our store to be greeted by people who know them. Who have taken time to personally get to know them. A place where they can come and settle in to eat or have a coffee comfortably. The staff have the security and the support of Rod in any choices we make through our life.
It will be very difficult to be able to find another boss who supports his staff on an everyday basis. Finding a person who successfully runs a business and makes sure his staff and community are safe, healthy and happy is hard to find.
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