My protest paid off: Fast-food workers speak out

Fast food and retail store workers have joined in a wave of protests nationwide since November, asking for higher wages and more hours. How did it affect them? These four workers share their stories.

Her weekly hours were bumped up

fast food retail protest claudette wilson
  • Name: Claudette Wilson
  • Employer: Burger King, Detroit

Claudette Wilson had asked her manager for more hours and a raise for months, but he kept saying no.

But just one day after joining a protest in Detroit, Wilson's hours were boosted to 35 from 25 per week.

"It gives me hope that I can stand up and make a change," she said. "It means a lot less stress for me."

For Wilson, the change is a huge help. She started working as a crew member cooking and cleaning at Burger King (BKW) three years ago, when she was 17. She worked 25 hours per week, making $7.40 an hour, while also attending school four days studying music production.

Her wages were barely enough to cover the gas bill for her car.

"On top of my car, gas and insurance, I have to start paying my loans back in September," she said.

Wilson's store manager did not respond to requests for comment. Burger King said in a statement that the hiring, firing or other employment-related decisions are made by its franchisees.

  @emilyjanefox - Last updated May 28 2013 06:07 AM ET

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