Police Arrest Boston Fast Food Workers Conducting Sit-In
Police arrested Boston fast food workers who walked off their jobs and conducted a sit-in near Downtown Crossing on Thursday. The protest is part of a national movement to demand a $15 minimum wage and unions among fast food workers.
Among the hundreds present at the gathering, a few protestors from various fast food restaurants sat down at the intersection of State Street and Congress Street to block traffic just after noon.
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After about an hour of the sit-in, police informed the protestors they would be arrested for blocking the intersection. Eight fast food workers and one supporter were taken into custody in a calm and orderly fashion, according to reports from the scene.
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Earlier in the morning, home care workers gathered at the Massachusetts State House for speeches and worker testimonials.
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The home care workers then walked over to the McDonalds on Washington St. to ally with protesting fast food workers from McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
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Labor activists also participated in their march down Washington St., WGBH’s Anne Mostue reports.
Those at the rally said they would do “Whatever It Takes’’ to get a $15 wage and the right to union, and that phrase could be seen on several posters and signs.
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The Boston protests were part of a national movement among fast-food workers demanding better pay in dozens of cities on Thursday. In New York City, 21 workers were arrested during a sit-in outside a McDonalds in Times Square. Similarly, 30 protesters were arrested outside a Detroit McDonalds for blocking traffic.
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