The California State Senate passed AB 257, the FAST Recovery Act, on August 29, 2022, marking an historic victory in fast-food workers’ decade-long fight for fair pay and a voice on the job. AB 257 would protect and empower California’s fast-food workforce, which is majority Black and Latino, with a voice on the job to help set minimum industry standards around wages, safety and training.
The California State Senate passed AB 257, the FAST Recovery Act, on August 29, 2022, marking an historic victory in fast-food workers’ decade-long fight for fair pay and a voice on the job. AB 257 would protect and empower California’s fast-food workforce, which is majority Black and Latino, with a voice on the job to help set minimum industry standards around wages, safety and training.
The measure, passed by a vote of 21 to 12, now requires the approval of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has not indicated whether he will sign it. The bill was vehemently opposed by the fast-food industry.
AB 257 will empower workers to develop solutions to long-standing issues in the fast-food industry by giving workers a seat at the table through the creation of a statewide Fast-Food Council. This council, which would include worker, government and industry representatives, would help set minimum standards across the California fast-food industry that strengthen health and safety protections, shield workers from retaliation, and ensure workplaces are free from discrimination and harassment.
Under the FAST Recovery Act, franchisees get a seat at the table as well. Oftentimes, large franchisors increase California operators’ costs or ignore their most pressing needs. With AB 257, franchisees can leverage the Fast-Food Council to ensure their stores are safe, healthy and compliant.
The bill gives fast-food cooks and cashiers the power to raise the industry-wide minimum wage to up to $22/hr. Similar to the state minimum wage, the industry minimum wage would adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
The bill allows cities and counties to establish a Local Fast-Food Council, giving voice to workers and employers in every region of the state and bringing them together to develop specific solutions to issues in their communities.