Fast food strikes hit 150 cities

Fast food strikes around the nation were initiated Thursday in the latest coordinated protest calling for a raise in minimum wage to $15 and union rights.

While fast food workers have been planning strikes since 2012, this may be the first time strikers are participating in civil disobedience on a large-scale, reports MSNBC.

As of Thursday afternoon, police have arrested 19 people outside of a New York City McDonald’s.

Earlier this week on Labor Day, President Obama addressed the fast food strikes, saying, “If I were busting my butt in the service industry and wanted an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work, I’d join a union.”

Shortly after his speech, workers decided on a nationwide strike planned for Thursday.