Several McDonald’s employees took to the streets to participate in the nationwide Fight for 15 protests.

The rallies began Thursday morning in cities across the U.S., including Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville.

Workers also planned a 24-hour strike to demand a wage increase of $15 per hour and the formation of a union.

Employees have also planned another protest later on in the day.

Lisa McComb, a spokesperson for McDonald's, spoke out Thursday saying:

“We proudly invest in the future of those who work in McDonald's restaurants. In addition to raising the minimum wage for employees at our company-owned restaurants, we also offer employees access to Archways to Opportunity, a set of programs McDonald’s pays for which helps them earn a high school diploma and get needed tuition assistance so they can work toward earning a college degree."