Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Voters To Decide Fate Of Fast Food Bill That Could Raise Wages For Workers
Fast-food workers and other SEIU members marched to the Capitol to deliver postcards and petitions in support of AB257 to the Governor's Office on May 31, 2022.
(
Fred Greaves for CalMatters
)
Topline:
A California law that would improve working conditions and hourly pay for fast food workers is now on hold after restaurant groups gathered over 1 million signatures in the petition process.
Why it matters: Mysheka Ronquillo works at a Long Beach Carl's Jr. She says she’s been subject to wage theft, discrimination and low pay through her 10 years working in the fast food industry. "I don’t have no pension. I don’t have no 401k…what am I working for? What happens when I die? You’re just going to replace me with someone else. They don’t care. We’re just a number.”
What's at stake for restaurant owners: The National Restaurant Association’s Mike Whatley says the bill could raise prices as high as 20% for small fast food restaurants that are independently operated. He says, “it's a misnomer that all fast food are these giant corporations. The vast majority of these locations are small business owners who may have one or two or a couple locations with really low margins.”
Support for LAist comes from
The backstory: Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Fast Recovery Act into law in September. It would establish a 10-member council of employers, workers and union representatives to oversee workplace conditions and set wages up to $22 an hour. But a coalition of restaurant groups immediately began the signature-collecting process to challenge the law.
What's next: Now voters will decide in Novemeber whether Assembly Bill 257 or the Fast Recovery Act will go into effect in 2024.
Go Deeper: Newsom Signs Bill To Regulate Wages For Fast Food Workers
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
Best of LAist