11.29.16 #Fightfor15
Over 1,000 workers and community allies poured out to the streets for multiple protests on November 29, 2016 calling for $15 and union rights.
Some initial press coverage (click here for more press coverage of the day):
- “Workers block Nicollet Av. to push for $15 an hour; 21 arrested,” Tim Harlow, Star Tribune, Nov. 29.
- “Twin Cities Workers Join Nationwide Day of Disruption,” Ashley Cole, Fox 9 News, Nov. 29.
FAST FOOD STRIKE: 5:30-7:00am
Over 300 people joined an early morning action with striking fast food workers at the McDonald’s on 24th and Nicollet in South Minneapolis, where 21 striking fast food workers and community allies were arrested in peaceful act of civil disobedience for $15 and union rights
“We are out here today on strike and risking arrest,” said Steven Suffridge, CTUL member and McDonald’s employee. “We have been organizing for a few years now and have won raises in cities all across America. Here in the Twin Cities we have won paid sick days and will continue to fight until we win $15 and a union. I am willing to be arrested today to let corporations and elected officials know that we are going to keep fighting until we win!” Photo by Patience Zalaga.
Click here for more photos from the morning strike
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RETAIL JANITORS CAROLING IN EDEN PRAIRIE MALL: 8:00-9:00am
Retail janitors and allies marched through Eden Prarie Mall singing Christmas carols calling on Kohl’s to adopt a Responsible Contractor Policy
SOLIDARITY WITH AIRPORT WORKERS: 10:30 – 11:30am
Airport workers recently won union rights with SEIU Local 26. Here CTUL members stand with airport workers as well as newly elected MN State Representative Ilhan Omar stands to send a message that “love trumps hate.” Our communities are united and stronger than ever!
ACTION WITH FRANKLIN STREET BAKERY WORKERS: 12:00-1:00pm
CTUL stands in solidarity with Franklin Street Bakery workers demanding living wages and the right to unionize without retaliation. Their boss runs a hunger relief charity but pays his own workers so little they can’t afford nutritious food for their families.
ACTION WITH CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: 2:30pm
CTUL member Yobani speaks to fellow construction workers at a North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters action protesting payroll fraud and dangerous conditions at this nonunion job site. CTUL stands in solidarity with all workers who are fighting back against poverty wages and no voice on the job.
MASS MARCH AT UofM: 4:30-7:00pm
Over 1,000 student workers, educators and full-time university employees together with CTUL members and community allies marched from UofM to the Dinkytown McDonald’s calling for $15 and union rights in our jobs, in Minneapolis, and in all of Minnesota