Union Supporters Protest Illinois Minimum Wage
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Union supporters took to the streets today to demand an increase in the state's minimum wage. WBBM's John Waelti was with them on North Michigan Avenue.
Union Supporters Protest Illinois Minimum Wage
Chanting that they can't survive on the state's minimum wage of $8.25 an hour, union organizers marched around the Gold Coast demanding a minimum wage of $15 an hour.
The so-called "fight for 15" includes supporters like Darius Smith.
"We're struggling to make ends meet, we are struggling to pay bills and we are just asking for a livable wage of $15 an hour so that we can be able to support our families," said Smith.
Illinois' minimum wage is among the highest in the nation, but retired Chicago Police Officer Charles Brown says companies can afford to pay more.
"Companies have made millions of dollars but have refused to recognize the people that have been making the money for them, the lowly workers," said Brown.
