A Chicago activist group joined others across the country in marching for a higher minimum wage.
Chanting, "We can't survive on $8.25," those taking part held a trolley tour to spread their message.
The Stand Up! Chicago website says Illinois' current minimum wage puts a family of four below poverty level. Minimum wage would be $10.55 per hour had it kept up with inflation over the last forty years, the website said.
The people assembled also challenged companies such as McDonald's Dunkin' Donuts, Walmart, and Toys "R" Us to pay their workers more.
Reps. Jesse Jackson Jr., introduced legislation last month that would increase the federal minimum wage to $10 an hour in stages by 2015 and mandate annual increases tied to inflation.
Opponents say increasing the minimum wage is a bad idea for companies already struggling during the recession.
