More than 400 fast-food workers and their supporters have been arrested in a national day of action for a $15-an-hour minimum wage. Workers staged a one-day strike in 150 cities across the country Thursday, from Las Vegas to Chicago and Detroit, to Little Rock, Arkansas, and here in New York City.
Dijon Thornton: “We’re getting awareness and showing people in Albany that we deserve $15 and a union, and that we’re angry about the minimum wage. We don’t believe in the minimum wage; we believe in a living wage”
Michael Gonzalez: “We’re asking and we’re demanding for $15. We’re not asking for so much. We’re just asking for about so much, so we can be able to live and survive in New York.”
Those arrested engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience by blocking streets during rush hour. In addition to a living wage, workers are also seeking the right to unionize and improved workplace conditions, including consistent working hours.