Susan Sarandon, an Academy Award winner, was arrested in upstate New York while protesting for the rights and higher wages of city waiters and restaurant workers.
The Hollywood legend, known for her activism and support for progressive and left-wing political and social causes, attended a rally at the New York State Capitol in Albany to join forces with the group One Fair Wage. ‘OFW’ aims to ‘end all subminimum wages in the United States and increase the sustainability of wages and working conditions in the service sector,’ according to its website.
“I, too, am a mother. I was raised as a single mother. “I’ve worked in a restaurant for tips. I know how difficult it is and how important it is,” Sarandon said during the protest, which was also attended by Ana Maria Archila, a former candidate for lieutenant governor. Throughout the day, she could be seen holding a sign.
Restaurant workers (including tips) in New York earn 66% of the US minimum wage, ranging from $8.35 to $10.40 per hour.
Police arrested eight people for ‘disorderly conduct’ in total. Sarandon can be seen being escorted away in handcuffs in a video of the incident that has surfaced on social media. She says nothing and looks calm as she was arrested by the officer.
