Current candidate for Michigan’s 13th congressional seat, Rashida Tlaib, and former gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed say their arrests were not a part of a publicity stunt.
“I had no intention of getting arrested," El-Sayed said. "I was there with a group of people and I believe if you start something you finish it. I’m not running for office anymore, I have got a lot of other things to be doing.”
Tlaib echoed the same sentiment towards her arrest.
“I have to go beyond just introducing policy change, but actually be part of the movement in elevating the voices of workers like this,” Tlaib said.
The two politicians were part of a group of 18 people arrested outside a Midtown McDonald’s as part of the national “Fight for $15” protest to increase the minimum wage to $15.
McDonald’s sent 7 Action News the following statement about Tuesday’s protest:
“Our commitment to the communities we serve includes providing opportunities for restaurant employees to succeed at McDonald’s and beyond with world-class training and education programs to help them build the skills needed for today’s workforce. Recently we announced we are tripling tuition assistance for restaurant employees by allocating $150 million over five years to our Archways to Opportunity education program which provides eligible U.S. employees an opportunity receive upfront college tuition assistance, earn a high school diploma, and access free education advising services and learn English as a second language. We also lowered eligibility requirements, making the program more accessible. These enhancements underscore McDonald’s and its independent franchisees’ commitment to providing jobs that fit around the lives of restaurant employees so they may pursue their education and career ambitions.”
