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Fast food workers protest effort to repeal labor council in California

Photo by istock.com

November 16, 2022

Fast food employees in Sacramento and other California regions are protesting big brand QSR efforts to repeal a law creating a state-run labor council that would play a role in worker pay and conditions.

Hundreds took to the streets Tuesday demanding that Chipotle, McDonald's and other restaurant brands doing business in California stop their efforts to overturn AB 257, The FAST Recovery Act, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in September, according to a report at The Sacramento Bee.

The Act will apply to any chain with at least 100 locations. The law creates a 10-member council that will set pay and is deemed a first for the fast-food industry.

Industry brand leaders, including fast-food companies and franchisees, have created a coalition called Save Local Restaurants and claim the law is a "food tax" that will drive higher prices in an industry already regulated heavily by state legislation.

In order to repeal the law the restaurants must garner 623,000 signatures by Dec. 4 to put the repeal request on the ballot in 2024. The Act is set to go into effect Jan. 1 2023.

"California voters should have a say in whether they shoulder the burden of higher prices and job losses this law will cause," the Coalition said in a statement Tuesday.

To retain the Act those in support need at least 10,000 signatures and already have 17,500.

"We knew that we wanted it with such conviction that we (nearly) doubled the amount of signatures — that proved how much we want it and need it," Sandro Flores, 25, a cashier at a Carl's Jr. told the news outlet.

Supporters claim the repeal effort has included deception to voters and have filed complaints with the state attorney general and secretary of state.