California governor Gavin Newsom took action on this week's Labor Day holiday.
The Governor announced he signed a monumental piece of legislation that expands the rights of fast-food workers in the state.
AB 257, the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) includes an increase in wages and overall workplace protections to assist in workers' health, safety and welfare.
"This bill would require standards for minimum wages, maximum hours of work, and other working conditions fixed by the council to be the minimum standards for fast food restaurant employees, absent a valid collective bargaining agreement, as specified, and would require that they be enforced by the commissioner, as specified, and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement," reads the AB-257 bill text.
Additionally, this legislation also provides the right to take some time off from employment for protection regarding any discrimination and harassing experiences.
"This bill would prohibit a fast food restaurant operator from discharging or in any manner discriminating or retaliating against any fast food restaurant employee for specified reasons and would create a cause of action and right to reinstatement for employees in this connection, as well as a presumption of unlawful discrimination and retaliation in certain circumstances," the legislation also mentions.
California Governor Newsom says that this piece of legislation will continue to build a better future for the working people that have helped build a world-class economy in the richest state in the country.
“California is committed to ensuring that the men and women who have helped build our world-class economy are able to share in the state’s prosperity,” said Governor Newsom. “Today’s action gives hardworking fast-food workers a stronger voice and seat at the table to set fair wages and critical health and safety standards across the industry. I’m proud to sign this legislation on Labor Day when we pay tribute to the workers who keep our state running as we build a stronger, more inclusive economy for all Californians.”
