COLUMBIA, SCA A Burger King employee in Columbia who made headlines last month for managing a whole restaurant by herself for 12 hours claims she was dismissed, a decision that has prompted criticism and a surge of popular support.
A 25-year-old single mother of three named Nykia Hamilton first gained notoriety in July when a patron uploaded a video of her working alone at the fast-food restaurant chain because of a staffing shortage. The video showed her managing all of her duties without assistance, including cooking, cleaning, and running the front desk and drive-thru.
The consumer described how she is handling things alone. She is preparing the chicken sandwiches, burgers, and fries, among other things, to ensure that everyone is happy in this place.
Staff shortage pushed her to breaking point
Hamilton told WACH Fox 57 that she had to handle every work because of a last-minute employee departure, which resulted in the dire situation. She recalled with emotion that she had to do the dishes, prep, floor, front counter, and drive-thru.
Although she received a lot of online recognition for her perseverance and dedication, Hamilton now claims that the employer fired her, citing childcare concerns as the reason for her tardiness. In a TikTok update, she explained that Burger King had dismissed her because she had been late due to her children. My children come first. You all don’t pay for nothing, including a babysitter.
From viral fame to financial struggle
As soon as Hamilton’s heartfelt video went viral, many of people expressed their support. She disclosed that her mental health has suffered greatly as a result of her unexpected celebrity.
I’ve already become angry and depressed. “So, please leave me alone,” she added, clearly upset.
After losing her job, Hamilton started a GoFundMe effort to assist her recover. The fundraising has raised almost $64,000 as of this week. She wrote in the post:
I work two jobs and am a 25-year-old single mother of three. I recently got viral for my TikTok work. I had no idea how my life would turn out. I genuinely go above and above for my children.
Ongoing struggles as a working mother
Hamilton told WACH that she frequently worked long 12-hour days and frequently shut down the business by herself, even the night after her now-famous day, prior to being fired.
At the moment, she added, “Last night, I closed again by myself.” Today, I finally received assistance. 11 a.m. and will remain until closing time at 11 a.m.
We simply don’t have any employees, she continued. These days, hardly one wants to work.
Burger King has refrained from making any public remarks regarding the matter.
We would want to get your thoughts on how South Carolina companies are addressing labor shortages or your response to Nykia Hamilton’s tale. For additional community coverage, visit SaltudaStandard-Sentinel.com or leave a comment below.
