Fast-food workers protest in downtown LR

Fast-food workers took to the streets to demand higher wages at a protest in downtown Little Rock on Thursday morning.

About 50 workers from area fast-food restaurants were gathered on the sidewalk at the McDonald’s at Seventh and Broadway streets about 8 a.m. The protesters held signs asking for $15-an-hour wages and for a union.

The group waved signs at passing drivers and used a bullhorn to lead calls for better pay before dispersing a little before 8:30 a.m.

Several police vehicles were on the scene; however, there were no reports of any arrests.

Among those participating Thursday in Little Rock was 41-year-old Theresa Boyd. She said she was working at the McDonald's during the morning shift when she saw some coworkers among the demonstrators and decided to walk out and join them.

"We can't support our families with $7.80 [an hour]," Boyd said. "We deserve $15 ... We have a lot of struggles. You can't pay your bills."

Organizers said the protest was part of about 160 similar demonstrations in cities across the country and that another round was planned at 10 a.m. at the McDonald's at 600 E. Broadway St. in North Little Rock.

On Sept. 4, police arrested protesters in downtown Little Rock and in cities around the country as they blocked traffic in the latest attempt to escalate their efforts to get McDonald's, Burger King and other fast-food companies to pay their employees at least $15 an hour.

The protests, which were planned by labor organizers, are part of a campaign called "Fight for $15."

The national movement, which is backed financially by the Service Employees International Union and others, comes as many fast-food workers do not make much more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which adds up to about $15,000 a year for 40 hours a week.