The fast-food industry is notorious for employing millions of Americans at poverty wages.

The vast majority (over 80 percent) of fast-food and similar low wage service jobs (<$9.24/hr) are held by adults. A quarter are adults over 40. Another quarter are moms raising kids.

Fast food also has a uniquely difficult business structure for workers to achieve better wages and working conditions.

People decide what markets should do - they are not a force of nature.

The fast-food industry is notorious for employing millions of Americans at poverty wages.

When families can afford the basics, they can reinvest in their communities, and higher wages means a broader consumer base for businesses.

Annual earnings in the fast-food industry are well below the income needed for self-sufficiency, and fast-food industry jobs are also much less likely than other jobs to provide health benefits.