Fast-food workers go on strike

ST. LOUIS — Fast-food workers in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas are hopeful their participation in brief strikes will lead to better pay and working conditions.

The strikes Monday and Tuesday were part of an effort in selected cities, including New York and Chicago, organized by the Fast Food Forward campaign, launched last year. Among the goals is to more than double the minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour, to $15 per hour.

Shannon Garth-Rhodes of the campaign says at least 150 workers walked off the job Tuesday at about 60 restaurants in the St. Louis area, including some in Illinois. She says at least 70 workers in the Kansas City area walked picket lines outside of dozens of restaurants.

Workers are expected back at their jobs on Wednesday.