Fast food workers plan next steps in wage campaign

VILLA PARK, Ill. (AP) – Fast food workers from across the country are in suburban Chicago to make plans to ramp up their campaign for higher wages and union representation.

The national convention is being held in Villa Park, where about 1,300 workers on Saturday will pledge to do whatever it takes to win $15-an-hour wages and a union.

They say they can’t provide for their families on minimum wage and want paid sick days and other benefits.

Industry officials say a $15-an-hour wage would hurt job creation, and that the solution is more education and job training.

The effort is supported by the Service Employees International Union.

Organizers say higher-profile protests are coming that may include civil disobedience. Most protests have included one-day strikes and a protest outside this year’s McDonald’s Corp. shareholder meeting.