McDonald's Is Still Paying Its Workers In Ukraine Despite Restaurant Shut-Downs

Amid the war in Ukraine, McDonald's has had to temporarily close 108 restaurants it owns there.

But the good thing about that is that the company continues to pay those employees as their country is invaded by Russia. McDonald's has also contributed millions of dollars into a fund that assists employees in their times of need.

"We are continuing to pay full salaries for our Ukrainian employees and have donated $5 million to our Employee Assistance Fund, and continue to support relief efforts led by the International Red Cross in the region," McDonald's President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said in an open letter to employees. "We have been overwhelmed by the offers of support across the system and thank you for your generous contributions to date."

Despite shutting down 850 restaurants in Russia, McDonalds will also continue to pay its 62,000 employees there "who have poured their heart and soul into our McDonald's brand," Kempczinski said.

In a recent regulatory filing, McDonald's said its restaurants in Russia and Ukraine contribute 9% of its annual revenue, or around $2 billion last year.

"At the same time, our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine," Kempczinski said in his letter. "Years ago, when confronted with his own difficult decision, Fred Turner explained his approach quite simply: 'Do the right thing.' That philosophy is enshrined as one of our five guiding values, and there are countless examples over the years of McDonald's Corporation living up to Fred's simple ideal. Today, is also one of those days.

Kempczinski also said that the burger brand will continue to focus on how it can help not only its employees but refugees as well.

"Across the rest of Europe, we will stay focused on how McDonald's can best help those in need, both now and in the future," Kempczindki said. "We have already seen extraordinary leadership by our Ukrainian and Russian teams, and I know the rest of the McDonald's System stands ready to support the large number of refugees who have been displaced by this conflict."

For more on Ukraine, check out Here's How McDonald's and KFC Are Helping In Ukraine.