Local employees of fast food chains are missing out on industrial action being taken in four North Island locations today.

It's the Unite Union's international day of action for fast food workers, and members are targeting Restaurant Brands.

The company owns and operates master franchising rights for Carl's Jr, KFC, Pizza Hut and Starbucks in New Zealand.

Unite's unhappy with the company's treatment of staff and is calling for a collective agreement to be honoured.

It's also concerned about holiday pay being mismanaged.

Globally, fast food workers in over 30 countries and five continents are taking action today.