Dozens arrested in minimum wage protests across the US

The Fight for $15 movement for a higher minimum wage staged what it called a "Day of Disruption" at locations in more than 300 cities to demand a $15 per hour minimum wage.

Dozens of people have been arrested as they participated in nationwide protests. Fast-food restaurant workers, airport workers and home and child-care workers rallied in cities including Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Boston and New York on Tuesday morning.

More protests were expected later in the day. About 500 workers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and ride hailing drivers in San Francisco are expected to demonstrate. Thousands plan to walk off the job at McDonald's restaurants.

People protest near a McDonald's in Las Vegas (AP)

Fight for $15, which is backed by the Service Employees International Union, has been advocating for a $15 per hour minimum wage for four years.

About 25 of the 350 protesters in New York City have been arrested. Detroit police say they arrested about 40 protesters who blocked traffic. And nearly three dozen protesters have been arrested in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.