At least 2,000 fast food picketers zeroed in on company headquarters on Wednesday, to fight for individualized union formation and $15 an hour wage increases.
According to USA Today, 140 workers, 500 employees from other fast food companies, 50 clergy members and several community activists will rally once more at McDonald's annual shareholder meeting in Oak Brook, Ill., Thursday, to show their disapproval with the company. The event comes just one day before a vote is cast on how much the fast food giant should pay its executives.
A leader of activist group Fast Food Forward, sponsored by the Service Employees International Union, said he expects a record turnout for the event.
"This will be the largest labor protest that McDonald's has ever faced," Kendall Fells told USA Today. "We know McDonald's is preparing for us to come."
Fells anticipates protestors will partake in severe behavior, but did not reveal what kind specifically.
"We don't want McDonald's to know our plans ahead of time. But they know there will be activity," Fells said.
One Kansas City, Mo., worker believes executives don't deserve higher pay than employees who keep company restaurant locations functioning.
"They're making billions ... but we sweep their floors, take out their trash and service their customers," Melinda Tope said. "We don't deserve to live in poverty and to worry about our lights being cut off."
A Chicago McDonald's worker expected to participate in the protests told Today Online that employees need to stand their ground during the event.
"We need to show McDonald's that we're serious and that we're not backing down," Davis said.
Davis makes $8.98 an hour part-time - although she has asked for more hours.
A McDonald's spokeswoman said the company will allow employees to strike in a civil manner.
"We respect everyone's rights to peacefully protest," Heidi Barker Sa Shekhem told Today online. "We are focused on welcoming our shareholders to McDonald's annual meeting."
National and international fast food employees previously held protests to fight for pay higher than their current $7.25 an hour, which amounts to $15,000 a year.
McDonald's CEO Don Thompson reportedly earned $9.5 million in 2013.
