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McDonald's, Burger King Workers Join Strike to Demand Higher Wages

By Ben Fractenberg | November 29, 2012 1:08pm | Updated on November 29, 2012 5:05pm

NEW YORK CITY — Hundreds of New York City fast food workers picketed in front of major chains including Burger King, Wendy's and McDonald's Thursday, demanding better pay and the right to unionize.

The campaign, Fast Food Forward, is being organized by a coalition of labor, community and civil rights groups, who are seeking a $15 hourly wage.

Likely mayoral candidate City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said she supports the group's goals.

“I support New York’s fast-food workers’ demand for decent wages they can live on to support families, pay bills and put food on the table," Quinn said in a statement. 

"Fast-food companies are some of the wealthiest in America, yet many of their employees earn far below the federal poverty level."

The workers picketed Thursday at several locations across the city, including a McDonald's at 220 West 42nd St.

In a statement published in The New York Times Thursday, McDonald's defended their treatment of workers.

“McDonald’s values our employees and has consistently remained committed to them, so in turn they can provide quality service to our customer,” the company said.