California’s Fast Food Council is considering raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers once again. This comes after a 25% increase that took the wage up to $20 per hour last April.
Recently, the council’s planning subcommittee discussed putting a cost-of-living wage increase on the table for their next meeting. However, for now, this topic will be for information and discussion only, with no date set yet, though meetings are likely to happen in April or May.
This council was formed under new legislation that not only set the minimum wage for workers at large chain restaurants but also established an 11-member council empowered to set workplace standards and regulate the fast-food industry. This authority includes voting on annual wages increases based on inflation, with a possible raise of up to 3.5%.
If the council approves a 3.5% increase, it would bump the minimum wage to $20.70 per hour.
Various voices were heard at the meeting: restaurant operators expressed concerns about the impact of wage increases, saying they have to raise menu prices, cut staff, or reduce hours. On the other hand, workers stressed the need for higher wages to keep up with rising costs of living, including rent and groceries.
As discussions continue, the balance between supporting workers and managing the costs for businesses remains a hot topic in California.
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