Video: Arrests made as demonstrators “Fight for 15” in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE -- Demonstrators walked off the job as the "Fight for 15" movement had three gatherings in the Milwaukee area on Tuesday, November 29th. On Tuesday evening, arrests were being made.

As the sun came up, workers came together at a McDonald's at 9th and North Avenue -- demanding a minimum wage of $15 an hour.

"Prices are going up every single day and it's time for that to change. If you're working a decent job, if you're working 40 hours a week, you shouldn't have to struggle. You shouldn't have to worry if I'm going to pay the rent or how I'm going to feed my kids," said Devonte Yates.

During the lunch hour, demonstrators marched to Milwaukee's City Hall. There, they demanded the Common Council and mayor hear their pleas.

"I'm a single parent. I'm struggling, each day working hard just like everybody else; having to work extra hours just to make sure ends meet and my kids are taken care of, let alone my household," said Keila McAfee.

Other cities such as Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles have already taken steps to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Some organizations are working to stop it in this state. A spokesperson for the Wisconsin Grocers Association said in a statement:

"We grocers are already paying that rate or very close to it. The market and competition dictate this. Our problem isn't paying that wage. It's finding workers."

 As the sun came up, workers came together at a McDonald's at 9th and North Avenue -- demanding a minimum wage of $15 an hour.

"Prices are going up every single day and it's time for that to change. If you're working a decent job, if you're working 40 hours a week, you shouldn't have to struggle. You shouldn't have to worry if I'm going to pay the rent or how I'm going to feed my kids," said Devonte Yates.

During the lunch hour, demonstrators marched to Milwaukee's City Hall. There, they demanded the Common Council and mayor hear their pleas.

"I'm a single parent. I'm struggling, each day working hard just like everybody else; having to work extra hours just to make sure ends meet and my kids are taken care of, let alone my household," said Keila McAfee.

Other cities such as Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles have already taken steps to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Some organizations are working to stop it in this state. A spokesperson for the Wisconsin Grocers Association said in a statement:

"We grocers are already paying that rate or very close to it. The market and competition dictate this. Our problem isn't paying that wage. It's finding workers."

But those who seek the higher paychecks said it needs to be the law of the land.

"We're not going nowhere. We are going to get this 15 -- and if we don't get it, we're going to shut it down until we get it. We're going to keep making noise until we get this," said Corneil White.

At 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, workers were joined by community leaders and elected officials in front of McDonald’s on Miller Park Way.

Some indicated they would move forward with civil disobedience -- and risk arrest if need be.

At least 10 were arrested locally.

"People are hurting. People are barely making ends meet. People are poor and we need a change. My parents always taught me no one is gonna hand you anything. You have to go out and get it. Closed mouths don't get fed. My mouth will never be closed," Gajdra Blackmon said.

Dozens were arrested during similar protests Tuesday.

Fight for $15 protests in Milwaukee

Los Angeles police said they took 40 people into custody during protests, part of what was called a national "day of disruption" in the Fight for $15 movement.

In Oakland, California police arrested 27 people for obstructing the streets and sidewalks, all of whom were later released.

New York City police told CNNMoney that 26 protesters were arrested there Tuesday for disorderly conduct. They were also released, organizers say.

The protesters were sitting in the middle of Broadway as part of a "civil disobedience action," said Rachel Cohen, a spokeswoman for the Service Employees International Union, which is supporting the protesters.

The New York protesters included fast food workers, airport workers, Uber drivers and messengers.

At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, janitors, baggage handlers, cabin cleaners and wheelchair attendants went on strike Tuesday demanding a $15 hourly wage.

Fight for $15 protests in Milwaukee

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

The Fight for $15 movement is credited with pushing lawmakers into adopting higher minimums. California and New York both passed laws this year to raise the minimum wage to $15 in coming years.

Cohen said the New York arrests took place near Zuccotti Park. That is where Occupy Wall Street protesters camped out for months in 2011 until the camp was dismantled by police.

Protesters also gathered at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to demonstrate for higher wages for airport workers.

Story Contributed By Fox6 News