Caleb Maupin
Press TV, New York
The crowd assembled in Union Square, and almost immediately set out to march across midtown Manhattan. The protesters, many of whom were fast food workers themselves, described a need for action in streets to confront low wage employers.The protesters assembled outside of Mcdonald’s and denounced the corporation’s practice of paying low wages.
When organizers gave the signal, the crowd charged into the store, loudly chanting against the unscrupulous practices of the well known fast food chain. The store manager nervously called the NYPD as chaos unfolded inside the restaurant. Lamar Richardson described his experiences as a fast food worker, and decried the billion dollar corporation for its unfair labor practices.
Ruben Mendez, a leader of the "$15 Now!" campaign in New Jersey, said recent referendums have illustrated the massive public support for increasing the minimum wage.
The protesters were optimistic, and emphasized these workplace actions in New York City would be small in comparison to the upcoming national day of protests and strikes set for April 15th.