Police arrested Boston fast food workers who walked off their jobs and conducted a sit-in near Downtown Crossing on Thursday. The protest is part of a national movement to demand a $15 minimum wage and unions among fast food workers.

Among the hundreds present at the gathering, a few protestors from various fast food restaurants sat down at the intersection of State Street and Congress Street to block traffic just after noon.

Boston fast food workers sit in the intersection of Mill and Washington Sts #SrikeFastFood pic.twitter.com/RNXhGZT7hb — MassUniting (@massuniting) September 4, 2014

Now 8 workers sitting on Wash St. Boston, from Popeyes, DD, Burger King, McDonalds. Police have not made arrests. pic.twitter.com/2fjZU7FrLG — Anne Mostue (@AnneMostue) September 4, 2014

After about an hour of the sit-in, police informed the protestors they would be arrested for blocking the intersection. Eight fast food workers and one supporter were taken into custody in a calm and orderly fashion, according to reports from the scene.

Police issued warning to protesters, will be arrested in the next five minutes if they do not leave intersection. pic.twitter.com/PrCF8Vl5eI — Garrett Quinn (@GarrettQuinn) September 4, 2014

Protesters being arrested at State and Congress. https://t.co/9aiFN3118D — Garrett Quinn (@GarrettQuinn) September 4, 2014

#wcvb arrested 8 fast food wkers 1 community supporter pic.twitter.com/ZdazSyXYSk — Rhondella Richardson (@wcvbrhondella) September 4, 2014


Earlier in the morning, home care workers gathered at the Massachusetts State House for speeches and worker testimonials.

Allison, homecare worker: "I fight for $15 because we DESERVE it." #WageAction pic.twitter.com/P8wreVleFo — MA Jobs with Justice (@MassJwJ) September 4, 2014

The home care workers then walked over to the McDonalds on Washington St. to ally with protesting fast food workers from McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Fast food workers shutting down Washington St. in Boston. pic.twitter.com/F1JdtbWL6l — Anne Mostue (@AnneMostue) September 4, 2014

Labor activists also participated in their march down Washington St., WGBH’s Anne Mostue reports.

Those at the rally said they would do “Whatever It Takes’’ to get a $15 wage and the right to union, and that phrase could be seen on several posters and signs.

The Boston protests were part of a national movement among fast-food workers demanding better pay in dozens of cities on Thursday. In New York City, 21 workers were arrested during a sit-in outside a McDonalds in Times Square. Similarly, 30 protesters were arrested outside a Detroit McDonalds for blocking traffic.