Raise Up MKE, although a fairly new concept to Wisconsin has derived from fast-food workers across the country joining forces almost two years ago. The “Fight for $15”″ campaign started in New York in Nov. 2012, when 200 fast-food workers demanded $15 and the right to form a union without retaliation.
Fast-food workers walked off their jobs on Thursday, May 15 to strike for fair wages in the workplace in 150 cities and several countries. This was the third walk-out this year. In Milwaukee, people gathered outside a McDonald’s restaurant on Capitol Drive. As workers fight for higher wages they make reference to Milwaukee County Board as a role model. They express that the board has passed a living wage ordinance that will guarantee county-contracted workers a fair wage. They want corporations like McDonald’s to stand up and do the right thing by their workers and guarantee all workers a livable wage — safe and fair working conditions.
Currently, the median pay for fast-food workers is just over $9 an hour, or about $18,500 a year. That’s roughly $4,500 lower than the Census Bureau’s poverty threshold level of $23,000 for a family of four. Union organizers say the movement has elevated the debate about inequality in the U.S. and helped raise the minimum wage in some states.
This issue has become more than a plea from the fast-food worker; their families, community activists, and even our U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore have been impacted by this movement. Police at a protest led by fast-food workers detained Moore on May 15. She was arrested, along with 26 other protesters, and received a $691 ticket. After the incident Moore’s personal Twitter account soon followed with a tweet, written by Moore’s communications director Eric Harris, confirming her arrest. “I take great pride in supporting Milwaukee workers as they risk arrest in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow for their families,” Moore stated, “I’ve read their letters, I’ve heard their calls, and I’ve listened to their stories. I understand their struggle, but more importantly, I see their drive to fight for a future that is equal to their talents and worthy of their dreams.” So the big question after all the logistics is what do I think. Honestly this is a tough one!
Growing up in a single- parent home with four children and one income I got a chance to experience first-hand how financial disparity can impact a family. My mother struggled many days trying to provide the necessities for us and worked two to three low paying jobs at a time so we could have what we needed. You would think that because of this I would be a die-hard advocate and supporting voice for fast-food workers asking for $15 for flipping burgers, but honestly I’m not. I can align with their stories and I applaud them for their efforts. I also understand that we play victims for decisions that we’ve made and the paths in life we have taken. If the fast- food wage is $9 and you have a family of four then a job in fast- food may not be the best career choice. It’s very simple; the law of the land has set financial and educational barriers that allow us to either succeed or in some cases be left behind. It’s a harsh reality that our education level and skill set allow us to reach certain income potential that a less skilled or educated worker may not be able to attain.
There are statistics in databases worldwide that support how gender, age, race and educational background all are determining factors contributing to our income levels. I’m in no way saying that I don’t think the minimum wage should be raised when there has been an obvious inflation in the cost of living. I’m not oblivious to the fact that a person who has an associate’s degree in most cases will not earn as much as a person with a bachelor’s degree and so on. Large corporations in the fast-food industry have been able to generate millions, in some cases billions of dollars by implementing a system that is easily duplicable and requires their laborers have a minimum set of skills and education.
At the age of 16 you can get hired at McDonalds, KFC, Taco Bell and a vast number of other fast-food chain restaurants. It is evident that most children at age 16 don’t possess an extensive amount of education or skills. This is not to say that a college student, a displaced professional or someone looking for an income to provide a means to an end cannot work in this profession; although their expectations should be low regarding income potential. There are managerial and district positions available in this field of work that pay a substantial amount. These positions usually require a certain level of experience and/or education.
The fight is fair, although I will say that the amount may be unreasonable. The idea should be reckoned with and the voices of the people should be heard. We all want what’s best and sometimes that’s just to be able to survive, and take care of our families. We must remember that equality comes with a price, and our strong stance must match our credentials and voice for justice without a reasonable doubt.