Milwaukee McDonald's workers demand $15 minimum wage, stage walkout amid nationwide hiring crunch

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A rally was held near the McDonald's at 27th and Capitol Drive in Milwaukee Wednesday, May 19.

We've seen these strikes from time to time in recent years. 

Wednesday's event was scheduled one day before the company's annual shareholders meeting.

What's new here is that this strike took place during a pandemic, at a time when companies complain that they're having a hard time filling job openings.

Strike organizers say the solution is simple -- $15 an hour minimum.

"Since the pandemic hit, we really should focus more on the low-pay workers, they are the essential," said striker Jennifer Berry.

"Unity is the best thing," said union organizer Melody Evans-Hailey. "They pay attention to noise and numbers."

Last week, McDonald's announced a pay raise for workers at its company-owned restaurants, but the base pay is still below that $15 level.