By: Ashmar Mandou

The battle for higher wages continues on as thousands of fast food workers in Chicago joined a national movement to fight for $15 an hour and union rights one year from Election Day. On Tuesday, fast food workers, home care, child care, and other low-wage workers mobilized a massive rally that took place at City Hall, Wicker Park, and other neighborhoods across the city with signs reading, “I’m a Fast Food Worker and I’m on Strike,” and “On Strike for $15 & Union Rights.”

“Today, we raise our voices because fast food companies are treating us unfairly. Many people like me are all underpaid and cannot support our families. When we get our $15, we won’t have to depend on public aid; no Medicaid or Link for food,” said Nancy Garcia, a 49 year-old fast food worker and first-time striker. “That’s why in 2016, elected officials and those running for office need to make sure these corporations work for us and not against us. We have the power as voters to speak for ourselves and on behalf of those who cannot vote. And we’re telling elected officials, to come and get our vote by supporting $15 an hour and union rights.”

“Immigrants make billions of dollars for the fast food industry, yet at the same time we are forced to live in fear in our jobs and in our communities,” said Adriana Sanchez, a fast-food worker. “It’s time for immigration policies change because we need to be able to live without being terrorized and mistreated. That’s why in 2016 we will only vote for those candidates that support $15 and union rights, but also those who support immigration reform with a path to citizenship.” Supporters of higher wages announced that they are taking their Fight for $15 to the ballot box to demonstrate to legislators that these issue cannot be ignored.

A recent poll of low-wage workers commissioned by the National Employment Law Project showed that 69 percent of unregistered voters would register to vote if there was a candidate who supported $15 an hour and union. In the last month, workers have conducted meetings in and around the city, demanding “$15 by any means possible.” Over the course of next year, the Fight for $15 plans to mobilize voters around the issues of higher pay, union rights, and quality child care, and immigration reform. Low-wage workers who have won the fight for $15 an hour occurred in New York and Los Angeles. Additional rallies in Chicago are planned for the coming weeks.

Photo Credit: Fight for 15 Chicago