California Looks Seriously Into Labor Rights Of Fastfood Employees

United States – State legislation in California is looking at some concrete steps to make the lives of fast-food workers easy. It is now looking at allowing the state to negotiate wages, hours and work conditions for an entire industry.

For one thing, it might be a good idea for them to be unionized, something that does not happen in the industry. In response to the need of equality in wages, hourly rates, medical allowance, health benefits etc., Sacramento for example is taking help from a union-backed Democratic proposal called the Fast-Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act, or FAST Recovery Act.

This would establish a state-appointed council to enact industry-wide minimum standards for wages, working hours and work conditions. If passed by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the proposal would also hold corporate franchisors responsible for compliance, not just the local franchise owners.

This time, if passed, the legislation would really be respecting the rights of fast-food workers. When passed by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the proposal would also hold corporate franchisors responsible for compliance, not just the local franchise owners.

In June 2020, the legislation fell short of three votes. Legislation to approve the FAST Recovery Act, AB 257, unfortunately had eight Democrats voting no and another 13 not voting at all. That time, Newsom did not take a position. The bill and its propaganda need funding too. Proponents, who have set up a website, say the FAST Recovery Act is needed to address low wages and poor conditions for workers. California’s fast food workers — a majority of whom are people of color, Latino and women — made an average $14.73 an hour in 2020, with California’s minimum wage rising to $15 this month for most businesses. Proponents also point out they are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and more likely to encounter injury, wage theft, customer assault and harassment.