NEW YORK — Workers from quick-service restaurants in seven U.S. cities walked off the job Monday to protest low wages.
“As they struggle to put food on the table and pay their rent, minimum wage workers aren’st standing for it anymore. Across the country, we have seen courageous workers go on strike to call attention to the fact that their wages cannot support their families,” reads a statement from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), following President Obama’s recent speech on the economy and raising the minimum wage.
Employees of quick-service outlets, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, KFC and a few others are striking in New York City, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Missouri and Flint, Michigan to demand an increase to $15 per hour. Meanwhile, the minimum wage in New York State is $7.25. In addition, the workers are also calling for the right to freely form unions.