Fast food has become a defining aspect of American culture, yet many workers in this sector face significant challenges. TiAnna Yeldell, a 44-year-old single mother from Missouri City, Texas, exemplifies this struggle as she works 80-hour weeks, earning $9.50 per hour as a Pizza Hut driver and $17 per hour cleaning trains to support her three children. Despite her efforts, Yeldell finds it difficult to make ends meet, reflecting the broader issues faced by fast food workers across the nation [84573d6e].
The fast food workforce is predominantly female, with two-thirds of workers being women, many of whom earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Additionally, Hispanic workers represent a significant portion of this workforce, making up 24.6% [84573d6e]. The stagnant federal minimum wage, unchanged since 2009, has drawn attention from various quarters, including former President Trump, who acknowledged the need for adjustments [84573d6e].
In contrast, some states, like Alaska and California, are taking steps to raise their minimum wages, while Texas remains at the federal minimum. Yeldell points out that a living wage for a single adult with three children in Houston is estimated at $57.65 per hour, underscoring the disparity between actual earnings and what is necessary for a sustainable living [84573d6e].
Angelica Hernandez, a 51-year-old McDonald’s worker in California, has benefited from recent wage increases but still grapples with the rising cost of living. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the implications of raising the minimum wage, with critics arguing that such increases could lead to higher prices and reduced job opportunities. However, a report from UC Berkeley suggests that raising the minimum wage has minimal adverse effects on employment [84573d6e].
Yeldell's family, despite her hard work, has little savings, which illustrates the persistent economic challenges faced by fast food workers. Her call for wage increases in Texas resonates with many who believe that if other states can implement changes, Texas should follow suit [84573d6e].