Hundreds Demonstrate For Increase In Minimum Wage
By aaroncynic in News on Apr 25, 2013 8:40PM
Hundreds of retail and fast food workers demonstrated throughout the day Wednesday to demand an increase in the minimum wage in Illinois. Workers and supporters began with walkouts and rallies at various locations in the loop and along the Magnificent Mile in the early hours of the morning, managing to shut down business at several stores. During lunch time, they marched through the Magnificent Mile and through River North, demonstrating in front of two different McDonald’s restaurants, Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s and more. Andrew Little, a Victoria’s Secret employee, told ABC7 “I need better living wages. I'm currently getting paid $9 [an hour] and that's not good enough for me right now.” “We’re the reason why these companies are multi-million dollar industries,” said one worker in front of the McDonald’s at State and Chicago.
Later in the evening, more than 1,000 demonstrators massed at a church on Huron and Wabash, marched back to the Magnificent Mile, then back to the Rock and Roll McDonald’s where more spoke out. Robert Wilson, another McDonald’s employee, told ABC, "I've been struggling to take care of medical bills, student loans, things of that nature. I am a full-time worker, and I feel like my job should be able to provide for basic needs.” In response to the criticism, McDonalds released a statement saying, “…Both our company and franchised-owned restaurants work hard every day to treat McDonald's employees with dignity and respect. Employees are paid competitive wages and have access to a range of benefits to meet their individual needs.”
After the large rally in the loop, some headed to a Whole Foods on the North Side to continue the demonstrations. Progress Illinois reports about 50 protesters rallied in front of the location on Halsted. “We’re standing together so we can get a better life, and a fair shake for a day’s labor,” said Matthew Camp, a full time Whole Foods worker.
More than 40 workers from varying retail and fast food outlets went on strike as part of the demonstrations. Thursday, organizers with Fight For 15, who took the helm for Wednesday’s actions, and other organizations like Action Now, participated in a walkback for those who chose to strike yesterday. Supporters including clergy, Alderman and others attempted to deliver letters to several of the employers of striking workers, some of which were accepted and some ignored.
Over 40 workers have been walked back successfully. Mas de 40 trabajadores han regresado al trabajo #huelgapor15 #strikefor15 #walkback
— Fight For 15 (@fightfor15) April 25, 2013
Waiting for Sears managers to come out and receive letter. #huelgapor15 #strikefor15 #walkback ow.ly/i/1YaL9
— Fight For 15 (@fightfor15) April 25, 2013