Last week, a Guangzhou local newspaper’s report that three foreign fast food giants pay part-timers wages much lower than the local legal minimum wage.

　　McDonald's pays part-timers only 4 yuan an hour, while KFC pays 4.7 yuan and Pizza Hut 5 yuan, according to the report. This pay is well below the minimum wage of 7.5 yuan an hour.

　　Following the report, appropriate government departments stepped in to check into possible underpayment by these fast-food chains.

　　Undoubtedly, the claims of underpayment sharply contrast with the generally favorable corporate images these foreign companies have built across the country.

　　Their quality service and advanced business models have benefited Chinese consumers with convenience and diversified choices. Their mushrooming growth proves both their popularity among Chinese consumers and their huge success in tapping into the nation's robust economic growth.

　　Part of their corporate image, these fast-food chains have made numerous efforts to become models of corporate citizenship.

　　Admittedly, corporate citizenship does not guarantee that an enterprise will never make mistakes or conduct improper activities. But at the very least, the company should take responsibility for its actions.

　　Unfortunately, so far the response of these fast-food chains has been to deny any wrongdoing in the face of increasing media charges of underpaying part-time employees.

　　Worse, it was reported that some of their part-time staff have been asked to sign new work contracts to replace old ones. Corporate citizenship is not about talking. It is about socially responsible behavior. Facing up to the problem is basic.