U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., said he is "proud to stand" with fast-food workers protesting nationwide to demand a $15 minimum wage and the right to form a union.
Strikers gathered Thursday in more than 100 cities, including Minneapolis. A number of fast-food workers make close to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, or roughly $15,000 annually based on a 40-hour week. Some say that is not a living wage, especially for workers who are supporting families.
"Thousands of fast-food workers will be out in the street today, demanding a living wage and the right to organize," said Ellison, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. "They're doing it because they have families to feed and parents to look after. … They're standing for the possibility of a better future and an economy that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy few. I'm proud to stand with them."
The National Council of Chain Restaurants, an industry trade group, criticized the protests, calling the campaign union-driven.
"There are millions of workers in the food retail industry who find personal satisfaction in their work and appreciate the opportunities provided by the restaurants that hire them," executive director Rob Green said in a statement.
COREY MITCHELL
