Economy

Workers Seeking $15 Hourly Wage Set Strikes in 230 Cities

482470659
Source: Thinkstock
The strikes and protests that began more than two years ago among workers at fast-food restaurants has expanded its scope, seeking to include low-wage workers in many fields to join in nationwide strikes and protests aimed at raising worker wages to $15 an hour. The job actions are set to take place tomorrow, April 14 (4/15), a symbolic gesture that plays on the sound of “for 15.”

Organizers expect job actions in more than 200 cities nationwide to attract 60,000 demonstrators, according to a report in The New York Times. Marches and rallies are also expected in more than 100 cities in 35 countries, according to a press release.

McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD) has been a target of the workers since the job actions started. The company recently announced that it would boost the pay of workers in its company-operated stores to $9.90 an hour on July 1. By the end of next year McDonald’s expects average pay to be above $10 an hour. McDonald’s pay hike applies only to employees at the 1,500 company-operated stores; employees at the 13,000 franchised stores in the United States are not included.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), another long-time target of low-wage workers, said in February that it would raise wages for about 500,000 U.S. employees to at least $9.00 an hour in the first half of 2016, rising to an average of at least $10 an hour for current associates.

ALSO READ: The Most Republican County in Each State

Workers who have been picketing low-wage employers are not satisfied with the hike. In a press release following the McDonald’s announcement, a company worker said:

Because we joined together and stood up, McDonald’s was forced to raise pay. Still, this is too little to make a real difference, and covers only a fraction of workers. It’s a weak move for a company that made $5.6 billion in profits last year. We’re going to keep fighting until we win $15 and union rights for all fast-food workers and our families.

The New York Times reports that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has “quietly pumped $15 million into the movement, helping to hire dozens of organizers to rally fast-food workers nationwide.”

The larger threat, at least to McDonald’s and other franchise operators, is a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board that would force parent companies to share the responsibility for franchise employees’ wages and treatment.

Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE

Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply
clicking here
you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.


Click here
to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.