Cold temperatures and steady wind didn’t blunt the motivation of about 20 Kansas University students and Lawrence residents who stood in protest Friday in front of McDonald’s at 1309 W. Sixth St.

Members of Lawrence Fair Food and the KU student group Apoyo Trabajador denounced the fast-food restaurant’s labor practices, particularly those of farmers who grow produce for the massive chain restaurant.

“We can expose McDonald’s as not protecting the rights of farmers,” said Cory Fischer-Hoffman, a KU graduate student.

She said farmers in Florida have to pick two tons of tomatoes to earn $50.

A McDonald’s manager at the store declined comment.

Corporate representatives for McDonald’s were not immediately available to respond to the protesters’ claims.

Some of those from Friday’s protest plan on going to Chicago in April to protest in front of McDonald’s headquarters.

Fischer-Hoffman said pressure on McDonald’s to change might cause smaller fast-food chains to also revise their labor standards.

“If they can promise to protect labor rights, they can set a precedent in the fast-food industry,” she said.