Protests expected at McDonald's shareholder meeting

OAK BROOK, Ill. - Labor leaders and workers are expected to gather outside McDonald's Corp. (MCD) shareholders meeting to drive home their demand for a $15-an-hour wage for fast-food workers.

Pressure on Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald's to increase wages comes as the company tries to turn around sales, which have been sliding in the face of stiff competition from other restaurant chains.

Wednesday's demonstrations are expected to be led by the Service Employees International Union.

McDonald's recently announced it would raise the starting wage for workers to $1 above the local minimum wage. But labor organizers said the move falls short because it only applies to company-owned stores.

The effort to gain a $15-an-hour wage for fast-food workers began in late 2012 and involves a range of tactics, including frequent demonstrations nationwide.