Five families work low-wage jobs in 21st century America. At work and at home they look for the strength to keep going. Can these Americans, young and old, afford to dream? Meet the Working Class: Hard Earned, Youtube 47.17, Endevr films 2023
‘When you ask what would be my dream, I don’t have one … I have worked weekends for over thirty years.’ ibid.
‘$10.50 still can’t pay my bills. It’s overwhelming sometimes.’ ibid.
Emelia’s credit card debt is $16,000 which is just above the national household average of $15,000. ibid. caption
Only 39% of student loan borrowers are succeeding in paying down their balance. The remaining 61% are either in delinquency, deferment or forbearance. ibid.
‘So where’s the money coming from?’ ibid.
Student loan debt has surpassed credit card debt. ibid.
Last week my total income was less than $300. The Broken American Dream: Hard Earned, Youtube 47.22, Emilia, Endvr films
It was a huge blow when they came in our apartment and took all our stuff. ibid. DJ
In 2011, veterans aged 25-29 had a higher unemployment rate than non-veterans. ibid. caption
Americans aged 29-34 who obtained a first-time mortgage: 2000 = 17%; 2010 = 9%. ibid.
A family of four in Silicon Valley needs to earn for basic expenses = $100,948. ibid.
We’re going to have twins. So I got a second job. I’m working 85 to 90 hours a week. Surviving on Minimum Wage: Hard Earned, dude, Youtube 47.03, Endevr films
The more she [Emilia] slips into credit card debt, the more she risks losing her house. ibid.
‘The battle over the minimum wage heated up across the country today …’ ibid. television news
43% of low-wage workers who complained to their employer or tried to form a union reported illegal retaliation. ibid.
Percy and Beverly Evans see their retirement dreams fade after losing their middle class jobs. The Fading Dream of Retirement: Hard Earned, Youtube 47.20, Endevr films
In the last 20 years, the number of Americans age 65 and older in the workforce has more than doubled. ibid.
Median rent for Americans has increased over the past 10 years. ibid.
80% of low-wage workers do not get a single paid sick day. ibid.
I hate walking into the job because I know there’s something gonna be said, there’s something gonna be done. The Fight for Fair Pay: Hard Earned, Youtube 47.20, De’Juan, Endevr Films
De’Juan [DJ] Jackson has been hired full-time by the Workers’ Organising Committee of Chicago which is leading the local campaign for $15 an hour wages. ibid.
1 in 4 Americans rely on cheque-cashing, payday loans, pawn shops, pre-paid debit cards. Cheque-cashing fees cost a consumer 4-5% of each pay cheque. ibid.
Today he [DJ] delivers notices to inform employers of an upcoming strike. The Struggle Goes On: Hard Earned, Youtube 47.20, Endevr films
When Beth retires and starts to rely on social security, the couple’s income will fall way short of covering their bills at a time when their house is already in danger of foreclosure. ibid.