Gov. Newsom and Asm. Holden at the press conference (Photo – Office of Chris Holden)
Assemblymember Chris Holden Joined Governor Gavin Newsom for the signing of his legislation, a progressive fast food wage law.
By News Desk
On Thursday, Sept. 28, Assemblymember Chris Holden joined Governor Gavin Newsom for the historic signing of his legislation, AB 1228, which will affirm establishing a Fast Food Council, representing a path forward to resolve employer community concerns. The bill also increases the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 an hour — the highest minimum wage requirement regulated by state law for fast food workers in the country.
“Today, we witnessed the signing of one of the most impactful fast food wage laws that this country has ever seen. Last month, when we were knee deep in negotiations, hundreds of workers slept in their cars and missed pay days to come give their testimony in committee and defend their livelihood. Sacrifice, dedication, and the power of a government who serves its people is what got us to this moment,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden.
The Fast Food Council, consisting of nine voting members, including representatives of the fast food industry, franchisees, employees, advocates, one unaffiliated member of the pubic, and two non-voting members, shall provide direction to, and coordinate with, the Governor and executive agencies, regarding the health, safety, and employment of fast food restaurant workers. This council would develop minimum fast food worker standards, including, standards on wages, working conditions, and training.
“California is home to more than 500,000 fast-food workers who – for decades – have been fighting for higher wages and better working conditions. Today, we take one step closer to fairer wages, safer and healthier working conditions, and better training by giving hardworking fast-food workers a stronger voice and seat at the table,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
California fast-food workers are showing the world what it looks like when working people seize their power and rewrite the rules to work for them,” said Service Employees International President Mary Kay Henry. Today’s victory for fast-food cooks and cashiers is just the latest example of an incredible uprising of workers across the economy who are focused on rewriting the rules and correcting the imbalances of power facing their industries.”
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