Oakland protesters call for higher fast-food pay

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Here and across the nation dozens of fast food workers protested against low wages on Thursday. Protestors are calling for $15 hourly wages for fast food workers.

It was a classic case of civil disobedience in Oakland. 14 people were arrested, but when it was over, the protestors thanked police. Police also thanked them saying quote, "It was a pleasure to work with you and yours."

For fast food worker Rhonesha Victor the protest meant civil disobedience and getting arrested.

"I really believe in this campaign and am willing to do whatever it takes to be heard," said fast food worker Rhonesha Victor.

"The plan today is to stand with workers," said Rabbi Michael Rothbaum.

The movement, which is backed financially by the Service Employees International Union and others, has gained national attention at a time when the wage gap between the poor and the rich has become a hot political issue. Many fast-food workers do not make much more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which adds up to about $15,000 a year for 40 hours a week.

"$15 is a living wage. Enough to take care of my mother, daughter, and go back to school," said fast food worker Kalleo Acatari.

"How many hours do we as a society say a person has to work to live, eat, and raise a family?" said Reverend B.K. Woodson.

In Oakland, it was a short march two blocks from City Hall to a Burger King protesters planned to enter and occupy. The local owner, who claims to be a part of the 99 percent, locked his door.

"We're just going to sit in this intersection, lock arms, and sit peacefully," said Victor.

"You are hereby ordered to clear the intersection or be subject to arrest" police said over a loud speaker.

That is exactly what the protesters wanted.

Victor was scheduled to work at a KFC/Taco Bell on Thursday afternoon, but there's no word whether she got out of jail in time.