Some fast food, home health and childcare workers nationwide went on strike today, including in the St. Louis area, to protest for higher wages and union rights. Demonstrators are calling for a $15 an hour minimum wage.

Workers rally for higher wages and union rights

Workers rally for higher wages and union rights

Frances Holmes makes $9 an hour at a McDonald’s in the St. Louis area.

“Some days I don’t eat because I can’t afford food. When I pay my rent, sometimes I have about $11 left,” said Holmes. “This month, I had to borrow a dollar to pay my rent. I live in a boarding house. It’s very difficult, but I can’t afford a one bedroom apartment.”

Holmes said there’s no middle class.

“It’s rich people and poor people,” said Holmes.

Many cities, including Kansas City and St. Louis, have considered proposals to raise the minimum wage. During the Legislature’s veto session in September, lawmakers voted to overturn Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of a bill that tells cities they can’t set a greater minimum wage than the state.

Today’s demonstrations included a rally at City Hall in St. Louis.

St. Louis is one of 500 cities throughout the country participating in today’s protests.

Brad Tregnago of KSSZ contributed to this story.