Anger about low-wage fast-food jobs began last fall in New York City when approximately 200 restaurant workers went on strike in a one-day protest. Since then, similar one-day strikes have taken place in places like Chicago, Detroit and Kansas City.
Now the focus is on a national event to bring the issue to the forefront. This Thursday, activists in as many as 35 cities will gather in front of McDonalds, Burger King, and other fast-food establishments.
In Tampa, activists say they will meet at the corner of Fowler Avenue and 15th Street at 4:15 p.m. (You can learn more through theirFacebook page.)
The strike takes place a day after the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. According to a blog post on the AFL-CIO website, one of the historic march's demands was to "give all Americans a decent standard of living," and it called for a minimum wage of $2 per hour. Adjusted for inflation, that would equal $15.26 an hour today.
The striking workers are demanding the right to unionize and at least $15 an hour in pay, more than double the current national minimum wage of $7.25.