Audio By Carbonatix
Burger King is one of the largest companies with global headquarters in Miami-Dade. Which is, in theory, great for the local economy, but BK’s practice of paying its restaurant employees low wages may not be so great for the American economy. A new study estimates that Burger King employees might cost taxpayers $356 million a year.
The report, which breaks down the cost of low-income fast-food workers to public assistance projects by chain, comes from the National Employment Law Project. A significant portion of fast-food workers must rely on government assistance to supplement their low income.
“While payroll data for individual fast-food companies is not publicly available, we estimate that the low-wage business model at the ten largest fast-food companies in the United States costs taxpayers more than $3.8 billion each year,” the report states.
Of that amount, $356 million comes from Burger King employees, behind only Subway, Yum! Brands (Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut), and McDonald’s. Burger King employs about 208,307 frontline fast-food workers across the country.
Will you step up to support New Times this year?
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
The report comes as a nationwide campaign to raise the wages of fast-food workers intensifies.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
