Employees of McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and KFC participate in the march

Jul 30, 2013 09:39 GMT  ·  By

Service industry employees from across New York City have embarked on a strike to get their wages doubled.

According to the Daily Mail, the protesters are currently working for minimum wage, and they are demanding $15 (€11) per hour.

They motivate their decision by explaining that they cannot support their families on the salaries that they are receiving.

"I can't even order something off the menu with what I earn. [...] It makes me wonder what I'm even doing there," says Ashley Pinkney, employed at McDonald's in Times Square. She was still in her uniform as she had just finished her shift.

The news report featured below shows an interview with one worker who describes that he works three jobs.

While the strike is supported by the Service Employees International Union, workers in the fast food industry have not founded unions as of yet. They demand the right to do so, which would be tantamount to having more rights.

Hundreds of protesters have been marching outside McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and KFC locations, but the fast food giants are yet to make statements on how the conflict will be resolved.

They are carrying banners with slogans such as “Hold the burgers hold the fries, make our wages super-sized!"

"I live with my grandma, my aunt, and cousin. I can't even afford privacy! [...] I'm a cashier, I cook, prep, clean — I do it all. It's just not enough, $7.25 (€5.5), not when milk and eggs are going up!" argues 22-year-old Naquasia LeGrand for NY Daily News.

Many young people are struggling to achieve financial independence by relying on the poor wages offered in the fast food business.

"I live with my dad. I would like to get my own apartment. You can't! It's impossible!" adds Lisette Ortiz, 27, of Rockaway.

McDonald’s reps have said that they value their employees and value their input, but they are mum on negotiations.