Fast-food workers continue protest for minimum-wage hike

Workers pushing for a higher minimum wage held a lunchtime protest in Center City Philadelphia. 

Primarily fast-food workers, demonstrators gathered outside the Philadelphia office of the federal Department of Labor.  They want a minimum wage of $15 an hour as well as the right to join a union.  

Alicia Hamiel said she can’t survive on her current wage of $7.25 an hour at a fast food restaurant.

“I have a 1-year old son and another son on the way, and it’s just really hard working on 7.25 and making ends meet — especially dealing with rent and bills, especially with what people are asking for for rent,” she said.

During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump said he could support a $10 an hour minimum wage … but that states should take the lead raising it.

Pennsylvania’s $7.25 an hour minimum is the same as the federal standard.