Thursday’s actions in Hartford and New Haven were portrayed by organizers in a press release as a “walk off,” but that term does not seem to fit with what actually went on. At noon on Airport Road in Hartford, there was no dramatic exit of employees from the Dunkin’ Donuts as had been implied; instead, there was one employee from that location present at the rally, who had simply not gone in to work. 
A few minutes before the announced start time of noon, protestors were actually across the street, on the sidewalk near Burger King. Two police cruisers were on the south side of the street, with officers telling activists repeatedly to get out of the drive-thru area.
The group, before the announced noon start time, apparently attempted to enter the Dunkin’ Donuts. I was informed that the door had been locked. America might run on Dunkin’, but this one was willing to cut off that fuel supply in Hartford as long as a few dozen people with a drums and a megaphone were nearby. The door was seen opening to allow a patron out, only to be immediately locked again.
A woman who goes by the name “Gloria” said she works at that Dunkin’ Donuts — and at three other ones in Hartford — for $9 per hour. That’s a long way from the $15/hour goal of this now global movement.
Gloria said she got a 25 cent raise after several years and having to ask for it. She’s been with the company for ten years now. When she injured her finger nail at work, she said she did not receive worker’s compensation. Though she used to be full time, after having some medical issues, she found herself taken off the schedule. Now, she gets called in to whichever location needs her help that day.
Gloria was the only employee from the Airport Road location at Thursday’s rally. When asked how she found out about this movement and if the idea to protest had been her own, she said that “Ben” had been persistent about getting her to tell her story. Earlier, I asked a young woman wearing the “Fight for $15 and a Union” campaign t-shirt if she knew who was driving this rally. Who decides which restaurant? Do the workers ask for it, or do organizers try to convince workers? She said it was a national movement and could not answer with any more clarity when pressed, but seemed to think it was good that this particular Dunkin’ Donuts was not doing any business while the protest was across the street. I asked this question a few more times. Some thought the workers decided all on their own. Others thought event organizers were pushing for it.
After the politicians arrived to do some speechifying, activists flooded inside of the Burger King, followed immediately by both officers.
Tomorrow, some of the protestors will be returning to walk the employees back inside of their places of work, to observe that they are not retaliated against and to show solidarity.
CORRECTION: Although I had asked multiple people at the action this afternoon if there were any workers from this D&D present, I was given responses from “I don’t know” to “Let me check.” Eventually, I was pointed in the direction of only one person, which I interpreted as being the only worker from the location. I have been informed after publication that there were other Airport Road Dunkin’ Donuts employees present.
