This model has been a pathway for entrepreneurs — many of whom are women, immigrants and minorities — to build wealth and become upwardly mobile. This week, McDonald's workers in some cities in the Midwest and on the East Coast protested what they say is continued sexual harassment of employees. Fast-food workers are more likely to be women, Latino or low-wage earners. The same study found that two-thirds of California's fast-food workers rely on safety net programs to support their families. There are approximately 76,000 franchise establishments in California with a combined 728,900 jobs, according to a report by the International Franchise Association.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 30, 2021 16:08 UTC