NEWS
Newsom Signs Law Giving California Fast Food Workers A $20 Minimum Wage
Courtesy of gavinnewsom/Instagram
Fast food workers in California will receive a minimum wage of $20 per hour starting on April 1 next year, after new legislation was signed Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In addition to the higher wages, the law also establishes a process for the Fast Food Council within the Department of Industrial Relations to establish minimum standards in working conditions and training.
The law allows the council to develop and propose other labor, health or safety standards for rule-making by the appropriate body.
The law also states that only the council can set wages for fast food workers until Jan. 1, 2029, providing consistent industry-wide wages across the state.
“California is home to more than 500,000 fast-food workers who – for decades – have been fighting for higher wages and better working conditions,” Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement. “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.”
Newsom signed the law with a crowd of cheering workers and labor leaders in attendance.
“After ten years of vibrant and courageous activism, which included raising the minimum wage for all workers in the state and bringing billions of dollars into working families’ pockets, fast food workers have now achieved something historic,” said David Huerta, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU–United Services Workers West. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Governor for his leadership in fighting poverty, empowering workers, and moving us toward a more just and equitable society.”
“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 who serves its people is what got us to this moment,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), who introduced the bill.
“Today, we witnessed the signing of one of the most impactful fast food wage laws that this country has ever seen,” Holden said. “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.”
TMX contributed to this article.
