Protesters seeking a living wage for fast food employees around the world shut down the international headquarters of McDonald’s outside Chicago.  Although about 100 people were arrested, many of the protesters say they’ll be back tomorrow.

More than 2,000 protesters representing fast food workers from around the world converged on Macca’s corporate campus in Oak Brook, Illinois, with the simple message that “We Are Worth More”.  When confronted by militarized cops clad in black body armor and helmets instead of the blue uniforms of yesteryear – even their American flag patches on their uniforms were drained of the Red, White, and Blue – the protesters responded with civil disobedience, sitting down to block the road in and out. 

They want US$15 per hour.  McDonald’s rakes in billions of dollars in profits, but American fast food workers almost universally make the minimum wage – US$7.25 (A$7.75) per hour – or slightly above.  And now, there’s a growing awareness that their comrades around the world, including wonderful Australia, are taking home much more money, and fast food restaurants aren’t in any danger of closing down. 

And a recent blog post has added fuel to the Living Wage movement.  A McDonald’s worker in Denmark told Americans that she was making US $21 per hour, because workers had the gumption to unionize.  Denmark fast food workers also get guaranteed hours, overtime pay, and at least two days off per week.  And Denmark’s fast food restaurants aren’t going broke.