Double Down trouble for KFC staff

The popularity of the burger has created extra work. Photo / Natalie Slade

Some KFC staff say the Double Down "bunless burger" is not that amazing and is not worth the pressure they have been put under to meet customer demand.

The limited edition burger, which sold 16,000 in its first three hours, increased staff members' workload 10-fold, a KFC cook said.

Unite Union Wellington organiser Heleyni Pratley said she had received numerous complaints about workloads from KFC staff members around the country.

"They're working under terrible conditions, because the pressure to meet demand is extreme," she said.

"This problem with the Double Down and KFC staff is happening across the country."

And Ian Anderson, who works at Kent Terrace KFC in Wellington, said workers had given up their breaks and days off to cope with the demand.

"People are working substantially more so the company can make a profit," he said.

"We're really not seeing any benefit for us from the Double Down."

KFC general manager Brent Kitto said the company was not aware of any complaints from employees and staff who worked overtime were paid extra.

"Yes, the launch of the Double Down did make our stores busier last week, but we rostered on plenty of extra staff to help cope with the increased demand," Mr Kitto said.

"Some may have given up their breaks, and we appreciate them helping out over this busy time."

A KFC spokeswoman said sales were five times higher than they had expected.

Mr Anderson, 22, said the amount of pressure that had been put on KFC staff because of the burger was not worth it.

"Everyone's just irritated. People are just tired of it and want it to end," he said.

"It's not even that amazing. Basically the burger's not worth the lines of customers."

He said the chocolate bars KFC had given its staff were not adequate compensation for their working conditions.

The Unite union member and member of the Socialist Workers Party, said at the start of the promotion he was often the only cook at his store.

"We're overworked and underpaid. It's not worth it."