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California Governor Gavin Newsom observed Labor Day by signing a new bill into law Monday that could raise minimum wages for more than half a million fast food workers after forcing restaurants across the state to close their doors during the pandemic.
The Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act, or AB 257, authorizes creating a 10-member Fast Food Council of labor and management representatives to set new standards like wages, public health and safety conditions, and security measures for industry workers.
Newsom touted singing the landmark legislation claiming it would allow workers to share in the state’s economy.
“Today’s action gives hardworking fast-food workers a stronger voice and seat at the table to set fair wages and critical health and safety standards across the industry,” Newsom said in a statement. “I’m proud to sign this legislation on Labor Day when we pay tribute to the workers who keep our state running as we build a stronger, more inclusive economy for all Californians.”
The nation-leading bill, backed by the Service Employees International Union, only applies to restaurants with 100 or more establishments nationwide, with the exception of restaurants that operate a bakery that “produces for sale bread as a stand-alone menu item.”
Councilmembers could increase the wages to $22 per hour, representing an increase of over 40% from the $15.
