I worked in fast food before I switched to security and I know what it is like to struggle day-to-day in those jobs. Most of us [security officers] have either experienced this for ourselves or know people who work in fast food right now. One day a few months ago I ran into one of my old co-workers at a Fight for $15 rally. It was a humbling experience for me to go to a rally and see someone fighting who I had a personal connection to. In security we are fighting for better lives, too, and seeing someone I knew reminded me of how similar our fights are.

$15 is not only about fast food, it is about raising the standards for everyone. This fight is across the country, it is something for all of us. The fight for $15 is real and it is time for us to stand strong and show our purple power in this fight. Just as we are raising the standard for all security officers in New York, the fight for $15 will raise the standards for all workers. We say one union, one fight. I know we are ready to prove this together.

Will you support the Fight for $15 with me? Click here to find an event near you!

Mercedes is a security officer and a member of SEIU 32BJ in New York City.