Scores of demonstrators were arrested on Tuesday as U.S. fast-food and airport workers led nationwide ‘Fight for $15’ protests calling for higher pay and union rights in their first major action since Donald Trump was elected president.
Trump, an international property developer and reality TV star with no government experience, swept into power with promises of creating jobs, especially for downtrodden Americans.
The president-elect – who at various times on the campaign trail suggested U.S. workers were overpaid, but also that the minimum wage should be raised – is due to take office on Jan. 20.
“(Trump) needs to be held accountable for his promises,” said Hector Figueroa, president of 32BJ, a property service workers union affiliated with the Service Employees International Union that backs ‘Fight for $15’.
Fast-food workers, home care and child care providers, janitors and Uber drivers organized by the campaign targeted McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) restaurants in several major cities. Protesters also rallied at busy airports such as O’Hare International in Chicago and Logan International in Boston.
More than 300 protesters gathered before dawn at Zuccotti Park in New York City, banging drums and chanting slogans.
Police reported multiple arrests in several cities after protesters clogged traffic. The arrests included 26 in New York City, 36 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 39 in Detroit, and 40 in Los Angeles.
There were protests but no arrests in New Orleans, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee, police said.
