California Employment News: Overview of the Fast Food Minimum Wage Increase AB122
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Members of California’s Fast Food Council were not deterred by a chorus of franchise owners who gathered at a Jan. 23 meeting to object to plans for another minimum wage increase in the fast-food industry. Here’s the latest...more
As we head into the new year, employers must continue to monitor minimum wages at the state and local level. California’s minimum wage will increase on January 1, 2025 to $16.50. In addition, the minimum wage will increase...more
As we approach the holiday season and New Year’s Day, we wanted to provide employers with a brief update on what minimum wage requirements in California might be starting January 1, 2025. Proposition 32- Proposition 32 was...more
California’s newly established Fast Food Council was inundated at its September 12 meeting by competing testimony – organized labor on one side and restaurant groups on the other – about potential plans to raise the industry...more
On April 1, 2024, the new fast-food minimum wage took effect. At the end of March, California’s Labor Commissioner issued an FAQ regarding the new minimum wage. It includes the following sections: •Overview of the Minimum...more
Another New Year means another flurry of new laws for California employers. Indeed, Governor Newsom had another busy October, signing over a dozen employee-friendly bills touching everything from cannabis use to workplace...more
California voters will no longer decide the fate of the controversial Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (FAST Act), which was expected to significantly affect fast-food restaurants in the state, including...more
Last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the FAST Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (AB 257), which sought to increase the California minimum wage to $22 per hour, with annual increases thereafter, and...more
After years of debate, and a looming referendum, a compromise between labor and business representatives has resulted in a final law regulating the fast-food industry. On September 28, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: California has increased the minimum wage of fast food workers to $20, and authorized the creation of the Fast Food Council comprised of representatives from labor and management to set minimum standards...more
Executive Summary: Employers should look forward to another round of changes to the Golden State’s employment standards this year, the most challenging of which will be addressing employee protections for off-premises...more
Effective January 1, 2024, the general statewide minimum wage will increase by .50 cents, bringing the hourly rate from $15.50 to $16.00. Please also keep in mind that many (around 35-40) cities and counties in...more
A deal between labor and business groups has just been struck that would remove a controversial referendum from the ballot, but will instead enact a $20 minimum wage for the California fast food industry. Employers will...more
For years, California has led the way in the fast food industry, with several prominent brands having their origins in the Golden State. More recently, California has shown innovation in the ways that the employment of fast...more
In the restaurant/service industry, gratuities (To Ensure Prompt Service or “tips”) motivate individuals to seek employment. Everywhere you turn, even if you did not receive any real service, workers are seeking tips....more
On January 24, 2023, the California Secretary of State completed its verification process and qualified a referendum challenging Assembly Bill (AB) 257, also known as the FAST Recovery Act for the November 2024 ballot. In the...more
On January 13, 2023, a Sacramento County Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction to stop the controversial Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act or “FAST Recovery Act” (AB 257) from taking effect,...more
On Labor Day, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (FAST Recovery Act), which authorized the California Department of Industrial Relations to create a Fast Food Council...more
As defined by Labor Code section 350, a “tip” or “gratuity” includes any money that has been paid, given to, or left for an employee by a patron of a business over and above the actual amount due to the business for services...more
Executive Summary: On September 5, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed A.B. 257, the Fast Food Accountability Recovery Act or FAST Recovery Act. The law was strongly supported by unions and will impact more than...more
A bill with significant implications for California’s fast food industry is on its way to Governor Newsom’s Desk. On August 29, 2022, the State Senate passed the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (AB 257)....more
There are two major California wage and hour bills that California employers should be aware of and monitor. We have outlined both below...more