Governor Gavin Newsom of California has recently approved a bill to raise the minimum hourly wage for fast food workers from $16.21 to $20.
As per a Restaurant Dive report, the newly enacted legislation will mandate that restaurants affiliated with brands boasting 60 or more establishments must raise their wage rates.
The recently revised AB 1228 bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena), is slated to take effect on April 1, 2024. This legislation grants authority to the fast food council to establish minimum wage standards for fast food restaurants.
Holden said, “Today, we witnessed the signing of one of the most impactful fast food wage laws that this country has ever seen. We did not just raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour for fast food workers.
“We helped a father or mother feed their children, we helped a student put gas in their car and helped a grandparent get their grandchild a birthday gift.
“Last month, when we were knee-deep in negotiations, hundreds of workers slept in their cars and missed pay days to come give their testimony in committee and defend their livelihood. Sacrifice, dedication and the power of a government that serves its people is what got us to this moment.”
The amended legislation will also encompass the formulation of proposals addressing other aspects of working conditions, including health and safety standards and training.
The signing of the new legislation prevents the original fast food council law, AB 257, or the Fast Recovery Act, from undergoing a referendum process.
Gavin Newsom said, “California is home to more than 500,000 fast-food workers who – for decades – have been fighting for higher wages and better working conditions.
“Today, we take one step closer to fairer wages, safer and healthier working conditions and better training by giving hardworking fast-food workers a stronger voice and seat at the table.”
