For fast-food workers in California, the hourly rate they can expect for their labor is $15.50. However, this will change starting on April 1 of next year. On Sept. 28, Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, signed into law a bill establishing a $4.50 hike on fast food minimum wage.
The rise to $20 will have a large impact on workers in the Golden State. However, a small caveat states that the raise will only apply to people working for a chain with 60 or more locations nationwide. Due to their numerous locations, workers at most large fast food businesses, such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and more, will still experience an increase in paychecks across California.
A factor in this bill’s legislation can be attributed to the Service Employees International Union, a union of about 1.9 million workers, advocating for laborers in the fast food industry to be more appreciated, given that many of them come from low-income families in need of financial support.
A number of effects—both positive and negative—may result from this change. For example, prices on fast food menus may increase to compensate for the higher wages, and workers from smaller fast food chains may opt to work at bigger businesses instead. At the same time, this will still be a positive change for many people working these jobs.
Canyon students and the overall Santa Clarita community may see this as a potential opportunity to make some money! With the nearly $5 increase starting in just five months, it is definitely not a bad idea to consider sending in applications for major fast food chains with the prospects of earning a decent wage.
