Police have arrested more than two dozen protesters in New York who were taking part in nationwide demonstrations for a $15 minimum wage.
New York police told CNNMoney that 26 protesters were arrested Tuesday for disorderly conduct.
They were sitting in the middle of Broadway as part of a “civil disobedience action,” said Rachel Cohen, a spokeswoman for the Service Employees International Union, which is supporting the protesters.
Hundreds more protesters, including fast food workers, airport workers, Uber drivers and messengers, took to the streets as part of the Fight for $15 movement.
The movement declared Tuesday a “day of disruption” across the country. Other demonstrations are planned in hundreds of cities, organizers say.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. It is higher in some states and cities — for example, $9 in New York and $10.50 in Chicago.
Cohen said the New York arrests took place near Zuccotti Park. That is where Occupy Wall Street protesters camped out for months in 2011 until the camp was dismantled by police.
Protesters also plan to gather at Newark Liberty International Airport at noon to demonstrate for higher wages for airport workers.
At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, janitors, baggage handlers, cabin cleaners and wheelchair attendants went on strike Tuesday demanding a $15 hourly wage.