On this day in 1979, McDonald's workers on strike in Dublin, Ireland won, achieving a 24% pay increase and an agreement to follow Labour Court recommendations, which ultimately resulted in a recognized union in their store.

On March 16th, 1979, workers at two McDonald's locations in Dublin, Ireland walked off the job after management failed to recognize the union that they had formed, demanding higher pay and formal union recognition.

The workers had joined up with ITGWU (Irish Transport and General Workers' Union) in their attempts to organize a few weeks prior to the walk-out. McDonald's responded to the strike by offering free fries for customers who crossed the picket line and raising the hourly rate from 85p to £1.

On September 10th, 1979, the strike succeeded, with a 24% pay increase and an agreement to follow Labour Court recommendations, which ultimately resulted in a recognized union for McDonald's workers. The victory was not perfect however - hours were cut back from 40 to 35 hours a week, at least one striker was not allowed to return to work, and union members were harassed on the job.