Group of Fight for 15 protestors arrested

In New York, a group of 500 that included airport and taxi workers joined a union-backed “Fight For 15” march before a McDonald’s restaurant near Wall Street.

The strikes and protests in MI were part of a nationwide day of disruption that includes workers walking off their jobs in 340 cities from coast to coast, and as the effort for higher wages marks its 4-year anniversary.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation in April that will gradually raise New York’s minimum wage to $15. That’s why passenger service workers are taking action and joining fast-food and other low-wage workers to win $15. In Manhattan, about two dozen people (including two city council members) were arrested after marching up Broadway.

Renita Wilson makes $8.15 an hour and was at the morning protest.

A crowd of about 350 protesters stand on Broadway in front of a McDonald’s restaurant, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in NY.

“Let me tell you something, when I first started here I was making $2.13 an hour but they weren’t charging for bags, there were no kiosk machines so people were more forthcoming”.

It was the largest Fight for $15 day of demonstration since the movement was launched in 2012.

Business groups are skeptical of further hikes in the minimum wage, arguing it would add new financial burdens for many employers and perhaps lead to job cuts.

“Unjust is unjust. We’re all working for the same thing – a livable wage”, she said.

In the end a couple dozen people chose to stay put.

The DIA action was part of what organizers described as a “nationwide day of disruption” in 340 cities across the country, including Detroit, where around forty workers were reportedly arrested for blocking traffic.

The city of Chicago saw some of the largest demonstrations, which took place outside a McDonald’s restaurant, a major hospital, and the O’Hare worldwide airport. Earlier this year, California Gov. California and NY both passed laws this year to raise the minimum wage to $15 in coming years.

Those participating in the strike are contracted by Prospect Airport Services, AirScrub Inc. and the city of Chicago.

In Detroit, more than three dozen demonstrators were put in handcuffs Tuesdaymorning during a protest near a fast food restaurant.

The federal minimum wage has been .25 an hour since July 24, 2009. On Election Day, voters in four states passed minimum wage increases.