McDonald's plans to add 1,900 jobs in Alberta with revamped service model
CBC News | Posted: March 17, 2016 5:36 PM | Last Updated: March 18, 2016
Self-serve kiosks will actually result in more employees, company says, as it rolls out additional job types
McDonald's is hiring up to 1,900 people in Alberta, as it rolls out self-serve kiosks, customizable burgers and table service at its fast-food restaurants.
The changes to the traditional counter-service format are "transforming the guest experience and creating additional jobs," said Shelly Hansen, the chain's regional vice-president for Western Canada, in a release on Thursday.
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McDonald's plans to spend $200,000 to $250,000 at each of its 140 restaurants in Alberta, making it the first province to transition to the new service style.
The company already has about 9,500 employees in Alberta, Hansen said.
The self-serve kiosks became a topic of discussion last month when interim PC leader Ric McIver tweeted the Alberta government's increase to the minimum wage was leading to job losses in the food service sector.
Reaction to the tweet resurfaced today after the McDonald's announcement — including comment from Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.