More than 50 workers and activists gathered in southeast Austin early Tuesday to join nationwide protests calling for a $15 minimum wage.

Protesters stood outside of a McDonald’s shortly after 6 a.m. in the 2400 block of East Riverside Drive, taking turns telling stories of struggling to make a living in the fast-food industry before marching to several restaurants along the road.

The demonstrators weaved through drive-through lanes as commuters rolled up to grab breakfast. The protesters carried #Fightfor15 signs and shouted rhythmic chants decrying corporate greed.

Mayeane Simms, a mother of three who has worked at Whataburger for about a year, said she joined the protest because she can’t afford to give her children the things they want or need with the wages she earns.

"I have to scrape up change just to get medicine and diapers and wipes," she said. "If it was just me and my boyfriend, I’m pretty sure we’d be alright, but with three kids, one in diapers and two in school, and all their stuff, it sucks."

GALLERY: View images from the fast-food wage strike in Austin

Joshua Perez, another fast food worker, said he led organizational efforts at a Wendy’s in San Marcos to get air conditioning in the restaurant fixed.

He joined the group in calls for a union for workers that would increase their bargaining power to get wages at or above $15 per hour.

"That’s just a symbolic number," he said. "If you want to actually match the cost of living it should be higher."

Austin City Council members Greg Casar and Delia Garza also attended the demonstration, along with workers from numerous fast food chains throughout the area. Many demonstrators plan to head to Houston to join protests there later in the day.