Fast-food workers protest pay in New York City, around globe

NEW YORK -- Labor organizers say protesters will turn out in the. U.S. and more than 30 other countries on Thursday in support of higher pay for workers at fast-food chains including McDonald's, Burger King and Taco Bell.

The demonstrations build on a campaign by unions to bring attention to the plight of low-wage workers and get the public behind the idea of a $15-an-hour wage. The businesses say such a wage would hurt their ability to create jobs.

The campaign comes as President Barack Obama works to raise the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which translates to about $15,000 a year for a full-time job.

The protests have captured media attention at a time when the gap between the rich and poor has widened. Protest turnouts have varied widely, however.