FAST food giants across the country found themselves invaded by workers demanding better pay, as British trade unionists and campaigners took part in an international day of action yesterday.

In London, bakers’ union BFAWU campaign Hungry For Justice hosted a protest outside Marble Arch’s McDonald’s, with dozens of campaigners rallying to demand a £10 an hour minimum wage.

The fast food chain, which globally made a lower than expected profit of £3.2 billion in 2014 has a starting salary of £6.51 an hour for over 21-year-olds.

Younger workers can make as little as £4.35 per hour.

Joining the central London protest was BFAWU national president Ian Hodson who praised the successes of Hungry For Justice which he helped launch last year.

“In January [2014] we were talking about solidarity action just in America — in the last 16 months what we’ve seen is, not just that the campaign has grown, but the campaign has managed to call the key issues at the centre of this general election.

“They might not be doing what we are asking them to do yet, but we recognise there has been a significant move by politicians.

“Like Ed Miliband committing to end exploitative zero-hours contracts.”

He added that the union would like to see politicians and the next government “recognising that the minimum wage is not high enough.

“The problem is they are talking about increasing it tomorrow, people are living in severe poverty and are relying on foodbanks today.

“We don’t think it’s right that it is left to an employer, who has demonstrated that they have no intention to do anything that impacts on their profits.”

Also at the protest were members of Unite Hotel Workers branch, whose regional officer Dave Turnbull said that they were fighting the same issues as those faced by food workers.

“I think the problem is the UK is becoming more and more a low pay economy and if we don’t say something and do something about that the future of our children and grandchildren is going to be being trapped in low pay,” added Mr Turnbull.

In the north protests took place outside McDonald’s outlets in Glasgow, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, Darlington, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield, Grimsby and Barnsley.

Members of Unite Community joined BFAWU at the demonstrations.

Unite Community northern organiser John Coan said: “Unite Community joined the BFAWU to campaign against zero-hours contracts and poverty wages. McDonald’s made over £3bn profit last year and the state still has to subsidise their poverty wages in the form of tax credits and other in-work benefits.”