Fast Food Workers Begin One-Day Strike With Hopes of Raising Minimum Wage to $15

Fast food workers in the Los Angeles area began their first strike Thursday, part of a nationwide attempt to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and form a union.

Workers at McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, El Pollo Loco and Jack in the Box are participating in the one-day work stoppage, part of what organizers are calling the largest strike against the industry.

Workers in more than 50 cities in every region of the continental United States also participated in the strike, according to organizers, who include SEIU United Service Workers West.

Organizers claim fast food workers "are forced to rely on public assistance just to make ends meet."

The claim was rejected by McDonald's, which released a statement saying "the story promoted by the individuals organizing these events does not provide an accurate picture of what it means to work at McDonald's."

"We respect the strong relationship which exists among McDonald's, our independent operators and the employees who work in McDonald's restaurants. Our restaurants remain open, with our dedicated employees providing strong service to our customers," the statement said.

"McDonald's aims to offer competitive pay and benefits to our employees. We provide training and professional development for all of those who wish to take advantage of those opportunities. Our history is full of examples of individuals who worked their first job with McDonald's and went on to successful careers both within and outside of McDonald's."

The strike follows one-day walkouts by fast food workers in eight cities, including New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C., earlier this year.

What do YOU think about this issue?  Should fast food workers make $15 an hour?  Tell us in the comments section below.

– City News Service.