Thousands of workers, including employees working at top quick-service chains across the U.S., were expected to walk off their jobs Monday to support the end of systemic racism and to remember Black people killed by police including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain.
The #StrikeForBlackLives protest was to last 8 minutes, 46 seconds, the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck. More than 50 groups coordinated the event, including several that represent foodservice and agricultural workers, such as Fight for $15 and a Union, United Farm Workers and United Food and Commercial Workers.
Those walking out spelled out a list of key demands, including justice for Black communities; equal treatment when it comes to wages and better jobs; health and safety protections for all workers; protection to ensure fair and safe in-person voting or mail-in practices to ensure everyone can fully participate; ample personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers; and overall economic security by ensuring access to healthcare and a living wage.
“Every worker in America must have the freedom that comes from economic security and equity in opportunity,” organizers said. “We demand the immediate implementation of a $15/hour minimum wage, fully-funded healthcare coverage and paid sick leave for all.”
Contact Nancy Luna at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @fastfoodmaven
