California's landmark fast food workers law hits a new obstacle
Sacramento, California - Instead of taking effect as planned, a landmark law that would have paved the way for better wages and working conditions in California's fast food industry will go to voters as a ballot measure in 2024.
Fast food workers in California won a major labor victory last September when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 257 into law, but major chains have thrown a wrench in plans for implementation.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber has certified that the Save Local Restaurants coalition gathered enough signatures to prevent AB 257, also known as the Fast Recovery Act, from taking effect this month.
The anti-labor initiative, spearheaded by the International Franchise Association and the National Restaurant Association, succeeded in getting around 712,000 valid voter signatures, surpassing the 623,000 required, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Many of the companies and associations behind the Save Local Restaurants coalition have a history of campaigning against worker interests. Earlier this month, a New York Times investigation revealed the National Restaurant Association had used workers' money taken from mandatory food safety courses to lobby against wage increases in the industry.
In-N-Out, Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, and Starbucks were among the companies that donated millions of dollars to support a referendum on AB 257.
AB 257 would change the game for California fast food workers
AB 257 called for the creation of a 10-member Fast Food Council tasked with setting minimum standards for wages, hours, job security, and working conditions at fast food restaurants in the state.
The council would have had an equal number of workers' delegates and employers' representatives and two state officials.
If the law had been allowed to go into effect as planned, fast food workers in California could have seen their minimum wage increase to up to $22 an hour.
Now it will be up to California voters to decide whether the groundbreaking law should be repealed. The measure will appear on the ballot in November 2024.
Despite the setback, labor rights advocates are confident they will ultimately be victorious.
"Black and brown workers fought and won #AB257 – they will not stand by and let fast-food companies bankroll a desperate referendum to silence worker voices," tweeted Service Employees International Union President Mary Kay Henry. "No corporation is more powerful than half a million workers joining together to demand a seat at the table."
Cover photo: MARIO TAMA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP