Pioneer Press photo of Wilmette minimum wage rally
The issue public sector unions and Leftist affiliates are promoting now is "Fight for $15," an effort that has a big faction in Chicago. Those demanding a minimum wage hike are celebrating a major win in the city of Chicago and surrounding Cook County municipalities. As of July 1st, the minimum wage in the area's that did not opt out is now $12 per hour.
But that's not enough. While an overwhelming majority of Cook County municipalities chose to opt out of the $12 per hr hike, one by one, Fight for $15 is making its way back through those municipalities that opted out and demanding their councils reconsider.
Wilmette chose to reverse their position last week – and as of July 1st, every business will now be paying $15 per hour – meaning there's likely to be layoffs, increased staff demands, smaller profit margins for business owners that could lead to more shuttered mom and pop businesses in the area.
But the win is not enough. Fight for $15 wants McDonald's to pay $15 per hour nationwide.
Here's a video of a protest that was held in Chicago on May 21st, where McDonald's was accused of racism for resisting the $15 per hour minimum wage nationwide. "They pay poverty wages," the group says, while for most, McDonald's jobs are starter opportunities.
HAPPENING NOW: McDonald's workers from across the country are marching to McDonald's new shiny HQ in downtown Chicago. McD's profit off Black and Brown workers like us and our communities. At the same time still keep us in poverty by paying poverty wages #FightFor15 pic.twitter.com/934798dNTt
— Fight For 15 Chicago (@chifightfor15) May 21, 2018