California's mandatory minimum wage for fast food workers went into effect Monday, now set at $20 an hour.
This is what we know from the pages of The Times:
background
The wage increase set by Assembly Bill 1228 applies to California fast food workers who work for any chain with more than 60 locations nationwide and covers corporate-owned and franchised locations. The state has more than 540,000 fast food workers, about 195,000 of them in Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to the latest May 2022 numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Change
California's previous minimum wage, regardless of industry, was $16 per hour, meaning many cashiers, cooks, prep, hosts and baristas would receive a raise of up to 25% overnight. Here is an overview.
Rising prices?
Some fast food operators said they plan to raise prices – or are considering doing so. While Chipotle has not yet announced a final decision on new prices, several other chains such as McDonald's, Starbucks and Jack in the Box say they plan to push pay increases to consumers or change their operations. Here's a look at what other changes threads have in mind.
New council
Along with raising the minimum wage, the new law creates a Fast Food Council – made up of business and worker representatives – with the power to set future wage increases (up to a maximum of 3.5% per year) and set standards on working and employee conditions. Safety and training.
Further reading
'I feel cheated': Inside the fast food industry's campaign to dismantle California's new labor law
California fast food workers are forming an unusual union in a bid for higher wages and better working conditions
Labor and business reach agreement to raise fast food wages and end ballot battle in California
Minimum wage workers in these California cities will get a raise in 2024
Higher wages are coming for California fast food workers. Here's what to know about the new law
Menu prices are rising as fast food chains prepare for a big jump in California's minimum wage
Starbucks, Chipotle, McDonald's: Who's raising prices as California's fast food law kicks in today?
