In a pivotal moment for California’s fast food industry, the California Fast Food Workers Union, a branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), is advocating for a further increase in the minimum wage for fast food workers. This move comes just four months after the state’s minimum wage was increased from $16 to $20 per hour.
The union presented its proposal during the inaugural meeting of the state’s Fast Food Council, a body established to develop standards for the industry, including pay. Comprising government appointees, industry representatives, and worker advocates, the council plays a critical role in shaping the future of fast food employment in California.
In a memo, the SEIU requested a wage increase to $20.70 per hour by January 1, 2025, citing the need to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Beyond wage adjustments, the union is calling for more stable work schedules, enforcement of backpay, and an investigation into what it describes as widespread issues in the industry, including wage theft, harassment, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.