California fast-food workers are now making a minimum of $20 per hour, thanks to a new law that applies to large restaurant chains with over 60 locations. This increase in wages is the result of years of advocacy by workers in the fast-food industry in California. The law also establishes a fast-food council, the first of its kind in the US, to annually increase wages in line with inflation or up to 3.5%, and to address issues like worker safety and wage theft. Workers like Jaylene Loubet believe this is a significant step towards fair compensation for their work.
However, some fast-food franchise owners are facing challenges due to the sudden increase in wages. Many have already increased menu prices or cut worker hours to cope with the additional costs. Scott Rodrick, who owns multiple McDonald’s locations, has raised prices by 5% to 7% and is exploring new ways to manage expenses. Michaela Mendelsohn, a franchisee on the new council, advocates for a balanced approach to ensure both businesses and employees succeed together. She has increased menu prices in preparation for the higher wages but is concerned about the impact on workers and businesses.
Loubet, a McDonald’s cashier, shares the struggles faced by workers with the rising cost of living in California. She and her family have been living in a one-bedroom apartment for decades, unable to afford a larger space due to the high rent prices. Despite the wage increase, she feels that $20 per hour is still not enough to achieve financial security or handle unexpected expenses. Loubet hopes the new council will address safety and security concerns in fast-food establishments, as she has witnessed incidents of violence on the job.
Mendelsohn, who has long championed workers’ rights, supports the wage increase but believes it should have been implemented gradually. She has begun implementing changes in her businesses, such as increasing prices and exploring new technologies like self-serve kiosks. Mendelsohn hopes the council can work towards fair wages, scheduling, and workplace protections for fast-food workers. The council’s first meeting in March focused on addressing various issues, including wage theft, working conditions, and unfair firings.
The formation of the fast-food council represents a major step towards improving working conditions and wages for fast-food workers in California. Advocates hope the council will not only focus on fair compensation but also address other key issues like scheduling, workplace safety, and protections against unfair treatment. Mendelsohn sees the council as an opportunity for collaboration and dialogue among different stakeholders to create positive change. Overall, the wage increase and establishment of the council are seen as positive steps towards ensuring fair treatment for fast-food workers in California.
