March 19, 2024
Local News

Protesters rally at McDonald's headquarters in Oak Brook despite severe weather

OAK BROOK – Severe weather could not stop the "fight for 15" on May 25 in Oak Brook.

But a thunderstorm that hit DuPage County about 5 p.m. caused the Service Employees International Union demonstration to be diverted, while some protesters avoided the storm entirely, leaving the demonstration and seeking shelter.

The Service Employees International Union had originally planned to march near the McDonald's headquarters in Oak Brook the evening of May 25 and the morning of May 26. The union is championing the "fight for 15," an increase for minimum wage of quick service restaurant employees to $15 per hour.

Demonstrators began assembling about 3 p.m. May 25 near McDonald's Plaza in Oak Brook before the 5 p.m. march, which was scheduled to take place on 22nd Street, from York Road to McDonald's Drive.

But when the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning from 5:06 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. May 25 in DuPage County, Oak Brook police sent two tweets saying "Permission to the participants to use the roadway has been revoked due to the severe thunderstorm warning... Marchers have begun to walk on Westbound 22nd street. 22nd street closed from Jorie until further notice."

Oak Brook Police are on the scene along with mutual aid from surrounding departments.

Demonstrations are scheduled to resume 6 a.m. May 26 in Oak Brook.