On this day in Labor History the year was 2012.
That was the day that more than 100 fast food workers in New York City walked off the job.
They held a one-day strike for better wages and the right to form a union.
It was the biggest fast food worker strike up to that time.
The movement soon grew to be much, much bigger.
Their demand was simple and memorable, a fifteen-dollar minimum wage.
The slogan became the Fight for Fifteen and a Union.
The campaign found an ally in the Service Employees International Union.
By August of 2013, the movement held a “National Strike Against Low Pay” day of action.
Fast food workers and their supporters held demonstrations in 60 cities.
Today the movement has spread to 300 cities, and beyond the United States.
While protestors have gathered at many fast food chains, McDonalds has become a focus of the campaign.
Protestors have held annual one-day demonstrations at McDonalds headquarters, just outside of Chicago.
The campaign has seen victories.
Both New York and California have passed a $15 minimum wage.
So has the city of Seattle.
Although it is a national, and even international movement, it is also a grassroots effort.
In each city different local groups are involved.
In Kansas City, fast food women workers have formed the Fannie Lou Hamer Women’s Committee.
They named their group after the Civil Rights champion.
They take inspiration from her famous quote that she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
For many involved in Fight for Fifteen, this sums up their involvement.
It is a movement for the respect and dignity of workers, and the right to earn a living wage.
March 19 - Wartime President Pushes for Labor Peace
March 18 - Wartime Workers Betrayed
March 17 - The Hoggs Hollow Tragedy
March 16 - Big Bill Haywood Talks General Strike
March 15 - The Grapes of Wrath Opens in Theaters
March 14 - Remembering Walter Crane
March 13 - Ending Jim Crow on the Job
March 12 - OSHA Safety Incentives
March 11 - Raising Conditions for an Industry
March 10 - Radium Girls
March 9 - Striking the Mines
March 8 - IBEW Strikes to Win
March 7 - Work Faster! Work Faster!
March 6 - International Unemployed Day
March 5 -Lordstown Syndrome
March 4 - Mismanagement Kills an Airline
March 3 - Wildcat Strikes Hit Chrysler and Briggs
March 2 - Greyhound Bus Strike Begins
March 1 - The Hoover Dam Goes Public
February 28 - Fighting for Equal Pay
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