California has enacted landmark legislation that will significantly raise the minimum wage for fast food workers across the state. Starting April 1, 2024, the minimum wage for these employees will increase to $20 per hour, a substantial jump from the previous average of $16.21 in 2022. This move, impacting over 500,000 fast food workers, aims to provide fairer wages and improved working conditions within the industry.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1228 (AB 1228) into law alongside fast food workers, labor leaders, and legislators, solidifying California’s commitment to supporting its workforce. Authored by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden, AB 1228 not only mandates the minimum wage increase but also establishes a Fast Food Council. This council is empowered to set further standards for the fast food sector, addressing critical aspects such as minimum wage adjustments, health and safety protocols, and training programs.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signs AB 1228, landmark legislation for fast food worker minimum wage increase.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “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.”
Assemblymember Holden echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact of the wage increase: “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.” He praised the dedication of workers and the responsiveness of the government in achieving this milestone.
David Huerta, President of SEIU California and SEIU USWW, recognized the historical significance of this achievement. “After ten years of vibrant and courageous activism… fast food workers have now achieved something historic,” Huerta stated, acknowledging the collective effort and the Governor’s leadership in promoting worker empowerment and economic justice.
AB 1228’s key provisions include the formal creation of the Fast Food Council within the Department of Industrial Relations. This council is responsible for developing minimum employment standards for fast food restaurants, specifically concerning wages, working conditions, and training. The legislation allows the Fast Food Council to annually increase the minimum wage, capped at 3.5% or the annual increase in the US-CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, whichever is lower. Crucially, until January 1, 2029, only the Council is authorized to set wage standards for fast food workers statewide, ensuring industry-wide consistency. The Council’s authority is set to sunset on January 1, 2029.
Ingrid Vilorio, a fast food worker and leader in the Fight for $15, sees this victory as a starting point. “It’s time to get to work so we can bring real solutions shaped by real workers to the Fast Food Council. Today’s victory is just the beginning,” Vilorio asserted. She emphasized the long-fought struggle of fast food workers for better pay and working conditions, expressing hope that California’s actions will inspire similar movements across the country. This landmark legislation represents a significant step towards improving the lives of fast food workers in California and sets a precedent for worker rights and wage standards in the fast food industry nationwide.
