article_snippet.sent: It's a very competitive environment,' McDonald's USA President Mike Andres stated. '
article_snippet.sent: Last month, McDonald's Chief Administrative Officer Pete Bensen hinted such an announcement could be in the works.
article_snippet.sent: McDonald's Chief Administrative Officer Pete Bensen said at the time that a big part of the turnaround effort in the U.S. would be what the company is doing 'around the employment image and our employee-employer relationship.'
article_snippet.sent: McDonald's US business has been struggling, with sales and customers counts at established locations falling two years in a row.
article_snippet.sent: In January, the company named Steve Easterbrook, McDonald's US business chief brand officer, as McDonald's US business new CEO.
article_snippet.sent: so We believe this initial step not only benefits We employees, this initial step will improve the McDonald's restaurant experience,' Easterbrook said in a statement Wednesday.
article_snippet.sent: McDonald also said McDonald is expanding benefits to help workers at company- and franchise-owned restaurants complete high school and college.
article_snippet.sent: McDonald did not immediately provide details on that program.