Immediate Release: August 30, 2013
Contact: Susan Berryman Rodriguez
(404) 222.0030/susan@9to5.org

 

ATLANTA, August 30, 2013–9to5 marched, rallied and chanted in solidarity with fast-food workers, who walked off their jobs on Thursday, August 29, 2013, as part of the largest-ever strike to hit the $200 billion industry. Members from 9to5 in Atlanta, Denver and Milwaukee joined hundreds of strikers, local clergy, elected officials, unions and community allies, calling for $15 an hour and the right to form a union without retaliation or unfair labor practices.

“It’s time for jobs that boost families and communities,” says Linda Meric, national executive director of 9to5. “We need to get our economy moving again. The best way to do that is to put money in the pockets of workers in low-wage service jobs, so they can spend on essentials like food, utilities and repairs – purchases that keep communities and the economy going.”

Fast- food companies are some of the wealthiest corporations in America, yet many fast food workers are forced to rely on public assistance programs to provide for their families and get healthcare for their children.“These companies should pay their hard-working employees enough to cover the necessities and support their families, and not force taxpayers to shoulder the burden,” says Meric.

A healthy economy depends on businesses that pay enough for workers to afford the basics. When they don¹t, the entire economy suffers, including local small businesses. Manuel Pate, a member of 9to5 Wisconsin, participated in support of the striking workers. “I’m here because I want to know that the person who is making my burger will put effort into making it a good burger because their paycheck is good,” says Pate.

9to5 Atlanta: Congressman John Lewis and other elected officials joined 9to5 and a number of other groups protesting and chanting “What Do We Want?”, “A Living Wage,” “When Do We Want It,” “Now!” at a three locations including McDonald’s and Church’s Chicken.

9to5 Colorado: Over 100 community members, including 9to5 staff and members, supported seven McDonald’s employees as they walked out on the job on the morning of August 29 calling for better working conditions.

9to5 Wisconsin: Workers from fast-food restaurants across the city of Milwaukee led strikes and walkouts because they “Can’t Survive off of $7.25!” 9to5 members, Senator Nikiya Harris, Representative Mandela Barnes, community members and partners stood with workers as they demanded “$15 and a Union.”

A sampling of media:

FOX 31 KDVR Denver
Wausau Daily Herald
The Denver Post
FOX 5 Atlanta

 

 

9to5 stands with U.S. Rep. John Lewis in solidarity with Atlanta fast-food workers.
Watch this video clip of protesters in a McDonald’s in Denver.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cover photo and this photo courtesy of Mike Erdman.

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About 9to5: Winning justice for working women for 40 years, 9to5 leads the way to create a powerful force for change on issues affecting low-wage women and their families. Through hands-on leadership development, grassroots organizing and policy advocacy, 9to5 organizes women in campaigns for family-supporting jobs with living wages and paid sick days; and stronger protections against workplace discrimination. 9to5 is one of the largest, most respected national membership organizations of working women in the U.S. To learn more or to get involved, visit 9to5.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.