Fast food workers on strike for higher minimum wage and better benefits (File Photo – Fibonacci Blue)
On September 28, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1228, raising the minimum wage payable by certain fast food restaurant employers. Beginning April 1, 2024, all fast food restaurant employees in California who are covered by the new law must be paid at least $20.00 per hour.
By News Desk
California’s fast food restaurant employee’s minimum wage supersedes Pasadena’s local minimum wage for those covered by the new law. (All other persons who are not considered “fast food restaurant employees” must not be paid less than the Pasadena minimum wage of $16.93 per hour).
A restaurant must meet all of the criteria below to be considered a “fast food restaurant”:
- Be a “limited-service restaurant” that offers limited or no table service, where the customers order food or beverage items and pay for those items before the items are consumed.
- The restaurant is part of a restaurant chain of at least 60 establishments nationwide.
- The restaurant is primarily engaged in selling food and beverages for immediate consumption.
Beginning July 1, 2024, the Pasadena minimum wage will increase to $17.50 per hour for all other occupations regardless of size. This new wage rate will remain in effect until June 30, 2025, when it will again be adjusted.
The hourly minimum wage for fast food restaurant employees may be increased by a state-appointed Fast Food Council beginning on January 1, 2025, at a rate tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The Council and its authority expires at the end of 2029.
Questions about enforcement of this new State law should be directed to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. (see link). The Department of Industrial Relations “Fast Food Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions” page can be found at: this link.
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