DURHAM, N.C. – Hundreds of protesters filled Durham streets on Thursday in a protest designed to call attention to raising the minimum wage.
The U.S. minimum wage is now $7.25 an hour, and the push to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour spread across the country on Thursday.
“Time to get that $15 an hour. We got little one to take care of,” said protester Darlene Hart.
Protesters shut down major roadways in cities like Boston and Philadelphia.
In Durham, the protesters blocked roads in front of a McDonald’s. The people gathering included fast-food workers, home-care workers and others who said the current minimum wage is not enough.
Organizer Abdul-Jalil Burnett said, “Living paycheck to paycheck, it’s a struggle for my bills. I currently make $8 an hour. I’ve been with Bojangles for at least 10 years.”
Speakers shared personal stories on what it is like to live on minimum wage.
“Workers deserve 15 an hour and if you can’t afford to be in business and pay livable wages than you shouldn’t be in business,” said protester Peter Pihos.