Michael B. Moore, a Democrat running for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina’s 1st congressional district, on Friday expressed solidarity with the striking workers of the Waffle House on Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, and called on his opponent, Rep. Nancy Mace, to support their “commonsense demands.”
“As a business executive with nearly four decades of private sector experience — including several years as a leader in South Carolina’s food industry — I know firsthand that employees throughout any organization deserve fair pay and safe working conditions,” said Moore. “I steadfastly stand behind the striking staff of the Waffle House on Garners Ferry Road as they seek sensible concessions from management and strive for a better quality of life for restaurant workers in South Carolina.
“I also urge Nancy Mace — who often mentions her past experience as a Waffle House waitress on the campaign trail — to similarly endorse the demands of those on strike. It’s not enough to only talk about the value of work when running for office. Real leaders need to match their rhetoric with a commitment to labor rights. If I’m elected to Congress, I won’t hesitate to stand up for all workers across the Lowcountry.”
On July 8th, workers of the Waffle House on Garners Ferry Road began a three-day strike after delivering to management their petition to organize. Among the workers’ demands are fair scheduling practices, increased security during shifts, and an end to the policy of meal deductions. Waffle House staff have also raised concerns about unruly behavior and threats of violence from customers.
