Protest and Rally Planned at Downtown McDonald’s and Illinois Restaurant AssociationToday

Members of Restaurant Opportunities Centers of Chicago (ROC-Chicago) Support Fight For $15, Call for ‘One Fair Wage’ for Tipped Workers

CHICAGO, IL – Today (March 13, 2015), restaurant workers, members of ROC-Chicago, and community members will rally in downtown Chicago to support McDonald’s Fast Food workers demanding a $15 living wage and better working conditions at McDonald’s through the Fight For 15 campaign.

McDonald’s is a leading member of the National Restaurant Association, the largest private employer lobby in the country and leading force in fighting worker-friendly policies like minimum wage increases and paid sick days. As a result of the National Restaurant Association’s undue influence over our elected officials, the federal tipped minimum wage has been frozen at $2.13 an hour since 1991 and is below the regular minimum wage in 43 states.

“As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry for over 10 years, I understand that if McDonald’s improves its standards by raising their starting wage to $15 an hour, the entire restaurant industry will have to change for the better,” said Rameka Aton, ROC-Chicago member a server and bartender with 10 years of experience.

After rallying at McDonald’s, protesters will march to the office of the Illinois Restaurant Association’s (IRA) office and highlight the IRA’s efforts to block policies that would lift thousands of restaurant workers in the state of Illinois out of poverty.

“We want fair wages for everyone, including those who live off tips, like bussers, dishwashers and servers,” said Nataki Rhodes, ROC-Chicago member and tipped worker, “the $4.95 tipped minimum wage is not enough for anyone to live off of and support their families, all workers deserve to to get paid a full and fair minimum wage. That’s why I support the ‘One Fair Wage’ campaign and $15 for everyone.”

What: Protest at downtown McDonald’s and the Illinois Restaurant Association

Who:  Over 20 restaurant workers and supporters

When:  Friday, March 13^th, 12:15pm

Where:  McDonalds at 23 S. Clark, followed by a march to the Illinois Restaurant Association headquarters located at 33 W. Monroe

Restaurant Opportunities Center- Chicago is the local affiliate of the national organization, ROC United.  ROC United is the largest restaurant workers organization in the country with over 13,000 members and 26 affiliates throughout the country, winning 15 worker-led campaigns, totaling $8 million in stolen tips and wages.