FLORIDA — Fast food workers took to the streets outside McDonald's restaurants in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Orlando Tuesday afternoon.
Some ofthe workers are part of the Fight for $15 movement will strike during the lunch rush on Tuesday.
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It is to demand McDonald’s and other fast-food chains protect workers from physical violence and other safety threats. Workers are asking for better security protocols and to provide better protection for minority workers.
It all stems from a video that investigators say it shows Yasmine James, a McDonald's employee in St. Petersburg, defending herself after a Daniel Willis Taylor allegedly got physical over a lack of straws at the counter.
James made at an appearance at the rally outside the St. Petersburg restaurant where her incident occurred. She briefly addressed the small crowd, thanking supporters.
"It's very emotional for me to be here," she said. "I am very thankful for you guys coming out to support us...I will continue to fight for workers and workplace safety."
Taylor was taken into custody and charged with two counts of simple battery.
Police said Taylor, of Clearwater, also battered another employee as he was being escorted out of the restaurant.
According to the affidavit, Taylor kicked Tateona Bell in the stomach while she was standing near the exit door.