9/4 TC Fast Food Strike Report

On September 4th CTUL organized Twin Cities Fast Food Workers as part the national Fight for $15, with workers walking out on strike in over 150 cities. Workers were inspired both by recent strikes led by retail janitors with CTUL here in the Twin Cities and fast food strikes nationally. Read on for a report from the day, including press coverage, photos from the actions, and much more…

What an incredible day! CTUL organized with 29 fast food workers who went on strike in the Twin Cities, and according to workers, the strike shut down the kitchen of the McDonald’s at Broadway and University. Over 250 workers and community allies poured into the streets for two actions with workers. And nationally, thousands of fast food workers went on strike in over 150 cities around the country, with over 500 fast food workers participating in actions of civil disobedience. The world heard powerful stories from low-wage workers who are leading an inspiring movement for justice!

Video from Labor Education Services

Check out coverage of the national strike in The New Yorker, “Dignity: Fast-Food workers and a new form of labor activism.” Also, check out some of the local coverage:

Fast food workers on strike in front of The Quarry Burger King

“Fast food workers demand higher wages and right to unionize,” NBC Kare 11, Melissa Colorado, Sept. 4, 2014 (includes video).

“I believe that we should all have a raise at some point…I think it’s a good way to show the big people, the big corporations what we’re made of, what we stand for, what we believe in. Our voices will be heard,” Guillermo Lindsay, McDonald’s worker and CTUL leader in the Twin Cities Strike.

“Demonstrations across the country included events at two Minneapolis McDonald’s locations,” Star Tribune, Mike Hughlett, Sept. 4, 2014 (includes video).

“Fast Food Workers Protest Wages at Minneapolis McDonald’s,” CBS Minnesota WCCO, Pat Kessler, Sept. 4, 2014 (includes video).

Dania Caldwell, Burger King worker and CTUL leader in the Twin Cities Strike, talks about why she is organizing: “It’s hard. I live paycheck to paycheck…With me having three kids, I have to buy diapers. I have to buy clothes and school supplies. And I have no help, really.”

Click here for even more coverage

In the Twin Cities CTUL organized with fast food workers to prepare for the action. All told, 29 workers walking off their jobs, declaring publicly that they would no longer sit by idly suffering daily indignities of poverty wages and disrespect in their workplaces.

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Over 250 community allies including U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and other elected officials, poured into the streets over the course to the day to stand side-by-side with workers.

Nakia Joseph and Stephen Strong, striking workers

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison marching with striking worker, Washington Griffin

Morning action in NE Minneapolis

Workers led two actions: 6:00am at the McDonald’s in NE Minneapolis near The Quarry, and 12:30pm at the McDonald’s in Uptown Minneapolis. Inspired by the action, City Councilmembers Alondra Cano and Jacob Frey are now exploring increasing the minimum wage in Minneapolis to $15 an hour!

“Minneapolis officials exploring raising minimum wage in city, à la Seattle“, City Pages, Aaron Rupar, Sept. 8, 2014.

“The message conveyed by protesters who stormed the Uptown McDonald’s last week was heard loud and clear by at least a couple members of the Minneapolis City Council.”

“Minneapolis leaders consider $15-an-hour base wage,” Star Tribune, Erin Golden, Sept. 10, 2014.

“Council Member Jacob Frey…recently joined fast-food workers participating in a strike — and advocating for a $15 an hour wage — in northeast Minneapolis.”

All of the workers are now back at work, and are planning next steps to build worker power here in the Twin Cities and gain real changes in the workplace. Check out more photos of the day of action below, and click here to read all the local press coverage.

Pictures by Trang Do of Ten Thousand Words