U.S. fast-food employees staged a nationwide walkout on Tuesday, taking to the streets to protest for higher wages.

The protests were coordinated by the Fight for $15 organization, who are planning a year-long campaign to coincide with the 2016 presidential election. The movement hopes to have candidates support an increased minimum wage of $15 an hour from the federal minimum of $7.25, as well as various union protections.

Tens of thousands of workers were expected to participate in the demonstrations taking place in 270 cities across the country, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Detroit.

In downtown Brooklyn, protesters halted traffic and paraded banners with messages such as "A living wage = quality care" and "On strike for work that sustains families."

"The money I bring home can barely take care of my rent," said 50-year-old protester Alvin Major of Guyana to Reuters. The KFC employee said he makes $1,200 a month, hardly enough to provide for his sick wife and four children. "We need a wage that could take care of our basic necessities."

While McDonald's provided a focal point for the walk outs, employees of Burger King, Wendy's and other fast-food restaurants also participated. Workers in other fields, such as FedEx delivery, farming and home care, said they planned to protest as well on Tuesday

Kheila Cox, a 38-year-old baggage handler making $10-an-hour at Logan Airport, talked to USA Today about her intentions to join the marches.

"It's not just the financial piece, it's also about the dignity," said the mother of seven.

The Fight for $15 movement is backed by the Service Employees International Union. There have already been several protests staged since its inception in 2012, and the impact is already is apparent.

Several cities have raised their minimum wage to $15, and companies such as McDonald's and Wal-Mart have agreed to increase hourly pay. This summer, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo passed a measure to raise fast-food workers wages to $15 in New York City (NYC) by 2018, and entire state by 2021.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has also shown public support for wage increases.

Democratic candidates Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley said they support a $15 federal minimum, while Hilary Clinton aims to enact an increase of at least $12. It's likely this will be an issue that will be revisited as the presidential campaign progresses.