Union members gathered outside the first presidential debate at Hofstra University on Long Island Monday night to demand help for the working and middle class.
Richard Grimes of Hartford, Connecticut, says he doesn’t care who wins the debate as long as they consider increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
“I cannot even afford health care. I cannot afford to have a place to stay – it’s not good enough for rent.”
Grimes says many people who earn a minimum wage are forced to work several part time jobs at a time just to survive.
“I try to pick up extra jobs. I cannot do that because I cannot balance one job with another. It's actually really difficult. One job that pays $15 an hour will definitely, definitely do justice.”
Construction and transportation union members also called for more job opportunities that would help strengthen the economy and protect the environment.
