A NEW fast food law could have a major impact on your favorite restaurant chains.
The “groundbreaking” law aims to raise wages and improve working conditions for more than half a million fast-food workers.
4
4
California Secretary of State Shirley N Weber announced Tuesday that enough signatures had been collected for a statewide referendum on the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act.
More than 623,000 valid voter signatures have been collected for the referendum to be held on November 5, 2024.
The law could create a 10-member council to set minimum wages and standards for hours and working conditions for fast food workers in the state.
Opponents of the law have argued that it would drive up the cost of food and place a burden on restaurant chain franchise owners.
“We are pleased to give Californians the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote on this law and we will continue to support the operators, small business owners and employees who make the restaurant industry so important to the lives of our customers.” he said. Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of public affairs for the National Restaurant Association, said in a statement.
The law was temporarily blocked in December by a Sacramento County Superior Court judge.
If the law were passed, workers’ wages would have risen to $22 an hour for chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks by the end of this year.
The current minimum wage in California is $15.50 per hour.
Proponents for and against the bill are expected to spend millions to entice voters.
“Despite fast food companies’ attempts to disrupt the referendum process, we know that California voters see through their tricks,” said Mary Kay Henderson, president of the Service Employees International Union.
“No company is more powerful than half a million workers uniting to demand a seat at the table.”
4
4
