Fast-food and other low-wage workers are striking in 270 cities across the US on Tuesday to push for better payment and union rights.
They will continue their action with protests in 500 cities, in which workers from such sectors as home care, child care, residential care, maintenance, and security as well as adjunct professors will take part.
Organizers say Black Lives Matter activists, immigration advocates, elected leaders, clergy allies, and members of women’s groups will attend various rallies across the US.
The walkout and protests have been organized by the Fight for $15 campaign which marshaled similar demonstrations in 200 cities last December.
The movement is calling for a minimum wage of $15 an hour and the right to form a union. The federal minimum wage is at present $7.25 an hour.
The protests come a year ahead of the presidential election, with the minimum wage issue taking center stage in campaign rallies.
Battleground states like Ohio, Florida and Virginia as well as New York are expected to draw some of the largest demonstrations.
There are millions of votes at stake, given that approximately 42% of the US workforce makes less than $15 an hour.
According to a recent study of low-wage workers, 69% of unregistered voters would vote for a candidate who supports union rights and raising the minimum wage. -Press TV.
