New York Times (12/01/13) Steven Greenhouse

The organizers of this year’s strikes against fast-food outlets for better wages have announced that they plan to sponsor one-day strikes in 100 cities on Dec. 5 and protests in 100 additional cities. Strikes are planned for the first time in Charleston, SC, Providence, RI, and Pittsburgh. The groups demand a $15 per hour wage for fast food workers.

The movement includes the groups Fast Food Forward and Fight for 15 and is part of a union-backed effort by low-paid workers to raise wages. National Restaurant Association officials say raising pay to $15 per hour when the federal minimum wage is $7.25 will drive a shift towards more automation and fewer workers.