Struggles of Fast Food Workers in the U.S.: A Fight for Survival
Fast food is an integral part of American culture; however, many employees in this industry face significant challenges in making ends meet due to low wages. A recent analysis highlights the financial hardships experienced by millions of fast food workers across the United States.
TiAnna Yeldell, a single mother of three, exemplifies the struggle many face. Working 80 hours a week, she juggles two jobs to support her children aged 8, 14, and 18. During the day, she drives for a Pizza Hut in Fresno, Texas, earning $9.50 per hour, excluding tips. At night, she cleans trains in Houston's subway system for $17 an hour. Despite her relentless work schedule, Yeldell often manages only two to three hours of sleep between shifts.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor reveal that two-thirds of fast food workers are women, many of whom struggle to provide for their families based on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. A disproportionate number of these employees--24.6%--are of Hispanic descent, compared to 18.8% across the broader workforce. Additionally, more than half of fast food workers are aged 20 or older.
Former President Donald Trump acknowledged the inadequacy of the federal minimum wage during his 2024 campaign, indicating he would consider raising it, though he deemed the process complicated.
In response to rising inflation, several states have taken matters into their own hands, increasing minimum wages. For instance, California raised the minimum wage for fast food workers from $16 to $20 per hour in April. By the end of the year, 23 states and 65 cities and counties are set to implement wage increases, as noted by the National Employment Law Project.
Unfortunately, Texas is not among these states. It adheres to the federal minimum wage, which has remained unchanged since 2009. Efforts by Texas Democrats to raise the state minimum wage have consistently failed. Additionally, Texas has enacted laws preventing cities from establishing their own wage regulations, further complicating the situation.
According to a calculator developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an adult in the Houston area raising three children would need to earn a minimum of $57.65 per hour to cover basic living expenses. Yeldell's reality reflects the immense stress and relentless pace of working multiple jobs, with little to show for her hard work. In good months, she barely manages to save $100, often struggling to pay bills.
Yeldell expresses her exhaustion from working two jobs but feels compelled to continue to provide for her family. The challenges she faces are shared by many in the fast food industry, where unpredictable hours, limited access to paid sick leave, and difficult customer interactions are common.
Moreover, wage theft and other legal violations are reportedly prevalent in the fast food sector, as highlighted by experts who point out the industry's reputation for poor pay and working conditions.
In contrast, Angelica Hernandez, a long-time employee at McDonald's in California, has benefited from the state's recent wage increase. After two decades in various locations, she now earns $20 per hour, allowing her to manage her expenses more effectively.
Critics of the continuous wage hikes argue that they lead to price increases and reduced job opportunities for younger workers. However, a recent study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that raising the minimum wage did not negatively impact employment levels and only resulted in a price increase of approximately 3.7% for consumers.
