Chicago's fast food and retail workers struck Wednesday for higher wages, following in the footsteps of the New York City food workers who did the same thing earlier in the month.
The "Fight for $15" campaign -- named for its goal of securing $15-per-hour wage for workers -- included employees from McDonald's, Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Macy's, Sears, Victoria's Secret and Whole Foods, among other chains.
Striking workers argue that the $15 wage is, simply, a demand to be given the means to live with dignity.
When asked by The Nation what she would do with $15 per hour, Whole Foods cashier Trish Kahle replied, simply, "I could have heat all winter."
Impacts of the strike on the operations of retail and fast food outlets have been minimal.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Danya Proud, McDonald's spokeswoman, has said that despite a few worker walkouts, "downtown restaurants remain open, and it remains business as usual for us."