New York, July 28 (RHC)-- Fast food workers in the United States have voted to intensify their protest campaign over working conditions by non-violent civil disobedience. Over 1,300 workers demanding higher wages and union representation voted Saturday to add sit-down strikes and restaurant occupations to their campaign to win $15-an-hour wages and a union.

Gathering in an expo center in a suburban area of Chicago, many wore boldly lettered T-shirts with logos saying “We Are Worth More” and “Raise Up for $15.” Cherri Delisline, a 27-year-old single mother working for McDonald’s, told reporters: “If we win $15, that would change my life. I get paid so little money that it’s hard to make ends meet, and I’ve had to move back in with my mother.”

However, industry officials argue a $15-an-hour wage would negatively affect job creation, saying the solution is to provide more education and job training.

The workers from McDonald’s, Burger King and other chains represented the nation’s four million fast food workers. The gathering was by far the largest of all protests held by fast food workers and was supported by the Service Employees International Union, the SEIU. The convention comes after an increasing number of strikes held by fast food workers, including demonstrations in May which were held in 150 U.S. cities and more than 30 other countries.