In towns and cities across the U.S. on Thursday, fast food workers went on a one day strike over low pay. 

Many people who work at McDonald's, Burger King and KFC were arrested when their sit-ins and marches stopped traffic. 

Organizers reported 436 people were arrested. Workers are demanding a pay raise to $15, as well as benefits.

"I am here because I am fighting for $15 an hour and a union. I work at Domino's Pizza, but I am striking today. We are all united as fast food workers. I make $6.40 an hour. My weekly check is $150 after taxes; with tips, I make $200. I need to find a second job," Jose Sanchez told Latin Post outside the McDonald's on 8th Avenue in New York City.

Sanchez added, "It is really important because when we win, our lives will change, and the lives of our families will change and our children."

There were strikes in Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Los Angeles and New York City, where 19 were arrested after blocking traffic at Times Square. 

The strikes are the latest in a series of actions, supported by the Service Employees International Union, which represents healthcare workers but has been working to help unionize fast food workers.

"This is what labor has to offer to the country at this moment, is to fight for workers to get a fair wage and fast food, airport and car wash workers, all low-wage workers, are showing the country that the path to prosperity begins with fairness in the workplace-$15 and a union," Hector Figueroa, president of 32BJ SEIU told Labor Press.

In July the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board ruled that McDonald's qualifies as a joint employer of workers at its franchises restaurant locations, a decision which could hold the company responsible for worker's pay.

The ruling came in response to 181 unfair labor practice complaints filed in New York by the Fast Food Workers Committee (which is funded by Service Employees International Union). Forty three of those complaints were considered valid. McDonald's has disputed the decision, which it will contest, arguing that 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 restaurants are owned by franchisees.