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NC fast food workers to protest in push for higher pay

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fast food workers in Charlotte will protest Thursday morning, demanding a pay increase. They want $15 per hour and the right to form a union.

They say their average pay is a little more than $9 per hour, which is below the poverty level.

Officials with the state chapter of the AFL-CIO say fast-food workers in Raleigh and Durham will walk off their jobs as they continue their fight to earn $15 an hour and have the right to form a union.

The labor organization says workers are expected to strike Thursday at major fast-food restaurants, including McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and KFC. Clergy, elected officials and community supporters will join the workers on the strike lines.

Fast-food workers from across the state will rally Thursday in Durham. The actions are part of a national day of action for fast-food workers, similar to one held in May that affected restaurants in about 150 cities.

The campaign for fast-food workers began in November 2012 in New York City, where 200 people walked off the job.

Several workers will gather on Sugar Creek Road around 7:15 a.m.

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