Fight for 15 sweeps the city

Thousands of fast food and other low wage workers took to New York City’s streets Wednesday demanding a $15 an hour minimum wage and the right to unionize.

Protesters, many of them fast-food workers, were joined by union leaders, college students, and Black Lives Matter activists, for a staged “die-in” on the sidewalk in front of the McDonald’s at 71st Street and Amsterdam.

The action took place during the lunch rush, temporarily closing the restaurant.

“$8.75 ain’t cutting it at all,” said Raymond Nevill, 22, Papa John’s employee from Brooklyn. “It doesn’t leave anything left over for transportation or saving. Nothing.”

Protesters were joined by city and state officials, including Public Advocate Letitia James and City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, at Columbus Circle for a scheduled march.

Earlier in the day, Fight for 15 strikers temporarily shut down part of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.

Organizers said Wednesday’s actions in 230 cities across the world were the largest protests since the movement started more than two years ago.