LIU STATEMENT ON FAST-FOOD WORKERS' STRIKE
New York City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in support of the nationwide strike by fast-food workers that began yesterday:
"There was a time in America when most fast-food workers were high-school kids living at home and trying to make some spending money. Sadly, in 2013 that is no longer the case. In this difficult economy, many adults now work in fast-food restaurants because that is the only job they can find. They are trying to support a family based upon their earnings alone. Paying them the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour or close to it is unconscionable.
"The striking workers are demanding a minimum wage of $15 an hour. We hope they succeed. But in the event that their demand is not met, we are renewing our call that the City's minimum wage be raised to $11.50 an hour. In New York City, this is barely enough to lift a worker out of poverty.
"Every worker should be treated with dignity, which includes being fairly compensated for the work that she or he does. The striking workers have our full support."