Fast-food Strikes Return Amid Push for Wage Hikes

Fast-food workers and labor organizers are set to turn out in support of higher wages in cities across the country Thursday.

Employees and supporters demonstrate to demand higher pay and the right to form a union in New York during a strike in July (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Organizers say walkouts are planned in 100 cities, with rallies set for another 100 cities. But it's not clear what the actual turnout will be and whether they'll shut down or even disrupt restaurant operations.

A similar day of protests this summer had mixed results, with just a few protesters in some locations.

The actions are part of push by labor unions, worker advocacy groups and Democrats to raise the federal minimum wage of $7.25. President Obama says he would back a minimum wage of $10.10 an hour, and on Wednesday addressed income equality in a speech.

The speech coincided with growing national and international attention to economic disparities.