Fast-food chains are hiring in Puerto Rico after the closure of KFC and Taco Bell restaurants and the suspension of operations at several Pizza Hut locations. Burger King says it seeks to fill more than 500 positions and will hold job fairs in several towns through November 13. McDonald’s takes applications through the "Trabaja con nosotros" (Work with us) section of its website.
Small and medium-sized businesses have also announced vacancies on social media, widening the options for affected workers. Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce is coordinating two job and orientation events: Tuesday, November 10, in the west region and Friday, November 13, in the San Juan metropolitan area, both from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Attendees can meet employers with openings and get help preparing résumés and for interviews, plus guidance on unemployment insurance, financial counseling and psychological support.
The venues are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, the Puerto Rico Labor Department is still awaiting answers from Encanto Restaurants. Labor Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova said the agency initially reached company representatives in Puerto Rico, but its later calls went unanswered.
She added that the department has received complaints from employees over unpaid wages and other payments.