Thousands of fast-food workers nationwide are taking the fight for higher wages directly to their corporate employers Thursday after seeing little hope in Congress for increasing minimum wage. Workers at fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and KFC in at least 60 different cities began their strike Thursday, which has been dubbed “National Strike Against Low Pay Day.”

Organizers reported Thursday that the strike has spread to some unexpected locations and fast food restaurants have been closed in several cities, including Raleigh, N.C., Seattle, New York City and Milwaukee.

They are asking for at least $15 an hour — more than double the current national minimum wage of $7.25 — and a right to form a union without retaliation. Several members of Congress, who support increasing the minimum wage but realize they don’t have enough support to pass reform, will be joining the workers in different cities.