Fast food protesters set sights on presidential candidates

NEW YORK (AP) — Workers from McDonald's, Taco Bell and other chain restaurants protested in cities around the country Tuesday to push fast food companies to pay them at least $15 an hour.

The fast food protests were planned by organizers at more than 270 cities nationwide, part of an ongoing campaign called "Fight for $15."

Janitors, nursing home workers and package delivery workers also joined some protests, organizers said.

Several protests have been scheduled in front of fast food restaurants, garnering media attention.

In the retail, hotel and restaurant industries, average hourly pay for front-line workers — the roughly 80 percent who aren't managers or supervisors — is below $15.

Rival Burger King, which is owned by Canada-based Restaurant Brands International Inc., said it supports "the right to demonstrate" and hopes "any demonstrators will respect the safety of our restaurant guests and employees."

Yum Brands Inc., the Louisville, Kentucky-based company behind Taco Bell and KFC, said its employees are paid above minimum wage at its 2,000 company-owned stores.