Group protests for higher wages at McDonalds

Groups of individuals swarmed into the McDonald’s on Vann Ness Street and Wisconsin Avenue on Wednesday to demand higher wages.

Many of the protestors were from the advocacy group OurDC. One member gave a speech inside the McDonalds, accusing the company of having low-wage jobs and excessive compensation for executives. Requests were also made for the federal government to raise the minimum wage.

McDonalds was the main target because “they’re one of the biggest offenders,” says Alvin Merrit, an OurDC demonstrator. However, he believes all large companies are at fault, “Wages need to be raised all across the country, not with just McDonald’s,” he says.

Protestors have planned more demonstrations at other McDonalds locations in the district. The group also plans to show support on Capitol Hill for the new federal minimum wage law.

McDonalds did respond with a statement saying, “Both our company and franchised-owned restaurants work hard every day to treat McDonald’s employees with dignity and respect. Employees are paid competitive wages and have access to a range of benefits to meet their individual needs.”