Fast food workers plan to rally Friday evening at the McDonald's restaurant at the corner of Troost Avenue and Meyer Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo.
They're pushing for a $15-an-hour wage and asking McDonald's Corp to take responsibility for employment decisions made at franchised restaurants.
Earlier this week, the National Labor Relations Board determined McDonald's Corp has what's known as "joint employer status" in a series of labor complaints filed by striking workers. The ruling means McDonald's Corp can be named as a co-defendant in disputes with franchise employees.
"I think that the people who are at the head of these corporations are paying attention and taking notice," says Andrew McConnell, a McDonald's employee who plans to participate in Friday's protest. "I think we're closer than we've ever been."
McConnell says he makes $7.45 an hour after a recent raise. He says he tries to take criticism of rallying fast food workers in stride.
"I consider my job to be just as important as anybody else's job," he says. "For the level of revenue that comes through a company like McDonald's, that company is able to pay more, to pay a living wage."
