Fast-food workers and community advocates gathered Monday at Christian Fellowship Church in San Diego, before taking their message to the streets.
Supporters of Fight for $15 and the Poor People’s Campaign marched over state Route 94 near Federal Boulevard, headed toward a nearby McDonald's.
The group called for higher wages and union rights, which caught the attention of people in the area.
"As soon as we were getting off the freeway we saw them on the overpass," Akili Smith said. "And I told (my friend), 'Pull over we gotta see what’s going on.'"
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Some people were upset because the group was blocking roads while marching, but others supported the cause.
"At the end of the day you have to try something, there’s no way around it," Smith said. "If you don’t march and try to create a buzz or some type of distraction, and let these people know that we mean business, nothing is going to happen."
Steve Collins was eating inside the McDonalds when he saw the protesters approaching.
"We saw what was going on and I wanted to come out and see it," Collins said. "I see it was with the food workers, and I’ve worked in several restaurants."
Collins said rally’s like this can make a difference.
"Management needs to realize how much they need these people in these positions," he said. "They are the ones that meet the people that spend the money every day. They’re the ones that meet the customers that keep this business going. So, if they are not trained properly if they are not paid properly, they have no incentive to do the best job they can do."
The rally was part of a nationwide effort for workers rights. San Diego Police officers were there for most of the march and said there were no problems.
