Boston Fast-Food Workers Stage Strike

BOSTON — Fast-food workers across Boston walked off the job to protest what they say are low wages and poor benefits.

The protests are part of what organizers say are similar walkouts planned in dozens of cities Thursday to push chains such as McDonald's, Taco Bell and Wendy's to pay workers more.

Protestors outside a Dunkin' Donuts in Roslindale said wages for fast food workers must rise to at least $15 an hour to provide a livable wage.

Jennifer Jimenez, who works at the Dunkin' Donuts part-time, said she can't afford to live on her own or get training for a better job. She knows that the predicament of parents with whom she works is even worse.

"People that have more than one kid, $8 an hour is not enough, not even to pay rent, put food on the table, even if they have food stamps," Jimenez said. "It's still not enough."

A spokesman for Dunkin Donuts said each site is run by an individual owner who makes wage and other decisions in line with local and federal laws.

Organizers say they expect the nationwide strike to be the largest ever by fast-food workers. It follows a series of strikes that began in New York City last November.

McDonald's has said workers' pay starts at minimum wage but the range goes higher, depending on the employee's position and experience. It said raising entry-level wages would mean higher overall costs, which could result in higher prices.