McDonald's CEO Upset Over 'McJob' Word

AP ^ | 11/7/03 | AP- Strange News

[Jaded]

McDonald's CEO Upset Over 'McJob' Word

CHICAGO - McDonald's says it deserves a break from the unflattering way the latest Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary depicts its job opportunities.

Among some 10,000 new additions to an updated version released in June was the term "McJob," defined as "low paying and dead-end work."

In an open letter to Merriam-Webster, McDonald's CEO Jim Cantalupo said the term is "an inaccurate description of restaurant employment" and "a slap in the face to the 12 million men and women" who work in the restaurant industry.

The company e-mailed the letter to media organizations Friday, and it also was published in the Nov. 3 edition of an industry trade publication.

Cantalupo also wrote that "more than 1,000 of the men and women who own and operate McDonald's restaurants today got their start by serving customers behind the counter."

McDonald's, the world's largest restaurant chain, has more than 30,000 restaurants and more than 400,000 employees.

Walt Riker, a spokesman for McDonald's, said the Oak Brook, Ill.-based fast-food giant also is concerned that "McJob" closely resembles McJOBS, the company's training program for mentally and physically challenged people.

"McJOBS is trademarked and we've notified them that legally that's an issue for us as well," Riker said.

A message left at Merriam-Webster's headquarters in Springfield, Mass., was not immediately returned Friday evening.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

McSox

[GeronL]

McStupid McDictionary McOffends McMe!!

[Keith in Iowa]

They should spend more time fixing their oxymoronic approach to customer service, and improving their menu.

The place McSucks. Big time.

[dighton]

"McJOBS is trademarked and we've notified them that legally that's an issue for us as well," Riker said.

So McTypical, to threaten a McLawsuit.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

McMac

[Calvin Locke]

How about McNPR? Or McNational Putrid Radio?

I've decided to totally eliminate McDonalds from my gastronomic experiences. I actually cut back over 18 months ago, out of boredom and an attempt to reduce calories.
The impact from my lack of patronage will be minimal.

Funny, I always considered "McJob" as a stepping stone for a lot of people, although I never worked in the food service industry.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

*McNOT* as *McMUCH* as *IT* McCould!

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I have heard McD's managers actually make a good average wage ($40k/yr?) and get a company paid vehicle for personal use. But I am not certain of it.

[Hawkeye's Girl]

McDonald's food is so bland. I gave them another try after their latest revamp, and I'm not loving it.

[Jaded]

McMe thinks Riker needs to get a McLife and quit taking hisself so McSeriously.

I haven't eaten Mickey D's in years. I think it's disgusting.

[HamiltonJay]

Well that's what the word means when used, like it or not...

[GeronL]

Lawsuit?? Thats even worse than what the dictionary did.

McMorons

[GeronL]

IF I do go there, rarely. I will only eat the Sausage McMuffin and the McChicken

[jraven]

McD's is really into PR. Here in San Diego about 18 years ago a guy went into a McD's and massacred a ton of people. This was initially referred to as the McDonald's massacre. But then the McD's people got on it and shifted so it became forever known as the San Ysidro massacre, named for the border community where this took place. McD's also tore down the massacre site, donated it, and built a new restaurant down the street. Image is very important to them.

[Arkinsaw]

They are going to sue the dictionary for including a word that is in common use? Any lawyer that tells them they can win that is just lying and hoping for a lot of billable hours.

Now if McDonalds wanted to sue the people who originally came up with, and popularized, the word and made it worthy of notice by the dictionary folks then they might have a shot. But who are those specific people and where do you send the subpoena?

[Deep_6]

McJob?

Isn't that what clinton got from that intern?

 

[BJungNan]

Among some 10,000 new additions to an updated version released in June was the term "McJob," defined as "low paying and dead-end work."

I would have to agree with McDonalds on this one. McDonalds seems to me a place where young people can learn a good work ethic that will lead to a better job.

In China, many people get hired out of McDonalds to go to work for foreign factories. Assistant Managers and Managers of a McDonalds in China can especially be assured a good job offer from many companies.

[lelio]

and get a company paid vehicle for personal use.

Yeah but take a look at it:

[GeronL]

PR is everything to a lot of companies