A new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom will ensure that over 500,000 fast-food workers in the state receive a minimum wage of at least $20 per hour.
Joined by labor leaders, lawmakers, and fast-food employees in Los Angeles, Newsom celebrated this achievement, emphasizing that it resulted from collective efforts to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers. Newsom noted that California has more than half a million fast-food workers who have been advocating for improved wages and working conditions for many years. He stated that this marks a significant step towards fairer wages, safer and healthier work environments, and enhanced training for hardworking fast-food employees, providing them with a stronger voice and representation.
This legislation, known as AB 1228, empowers the Fast Food Council to establish minimum wage standards for fast-food restaurants and create recommendations for other aspects of working conditions, including health and safety regulations and training, according to a press release from the Governor’s office.
The newly established Fast Food Council comprises nine members, including two representatives from the fast-food industry, two franchise or restaurant owners, two employee representatives, two employee advocates, and one public member. Its purpose is to ensure that workers play a more significant role in determining minimum wages and working conditions, including health and safety standards.
Ingrid Vilorio, a fast-food worker in California and a leader in the Fight for $15 movement, expressed that this victory is just the beginning. She emphasized that the movement has always aimed to secure a place at the table to improve pay and working conditions, a goal achieved through the collective efforts of fast-food workers who have bravely gone on strike, exposed industry issues, and demanded better treatment from corporations. Vilorio believes that this success can inspire workers in other industries and states to understand that fighting for their rights can lead to positive outcomes.
