Four months after California increased the minimum wage for fast food workers from $16 to $20 an hour, the California Fast Food Workers Union is requesting a further raise. At the inaugural meeting of the state's Fast Food Council, union representatives presented their demands to government appointees, industry representatives, and worker representatives. The union is seeking a minimum wage increase to $20.70 per hour by January 1, 2025, alongside improved working conditions, oversight of backpay owed to employees, and an investigation into alleged abuses in the industry.

In a memo addressed to KTLA 5 News, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents the California Fast Food Workers Union, emphasized the need for fair compensation that keeps up with inflation, stable work schedules, and comprehensive training for employees to understand their rights. The memo highlighted pervasive issues such as wage theft, harassment, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions within the fast food industry.

Trade groups and some political pundits have criticized the mandated wage increase, claiming that it has resulted in job losses and forced numerous restaurants to shut down. However, SEIU and Governor Gavin Newsom's office counter these arguments by pointing to data indicating the addition of thousands of jobs in the industry since the wage hike was implemented on April 1.

Fast food workers have expressed their appreciation for the increased pay, with one employee from an Oakland Wendy's noting that it has improved their ability to afford necessities such as food and rent. The SEIU also highlighted that the higher wages have attracted better job candidates and reduced turnover, according to Joseph Bryant, the organization's executive vice president.

However, customers have experienced the downside of higher wages in the form of rising fast food prices. Major chains have raised menu prices by single digits or low double digits. Additionally, franchisees have been forced to cut employee hours or schedule fewer shifts in response to the increased labor costs.

Jot Condie, the president and CEO of the California Restaurant Association, expressed concern about the financial strain on businesses already dealing with rising rents and food costs. With labor costs increasing suddenly and significantly, Condie explained that restaurants operating with slim profit margins have limited options to cope, resulting in increased prices, reduced hours of operation, or downsizing their workforce.

The Fast Food Council is not scheduled to convene again until September, leaving uncertainty around the approval of the SEIU's proposal for another minimum wage hike. The impact of the wage increase continues to be a topic of debate, with stakeholders weighing the benefits for workers against the potential challenges faced by businesses.

Source: The Associated Press