California’s War on Entry-Level Jobs
Wall Street JournalSep 01, 2022
On Mon., Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into a law supporting more than 500K fast food workers, despite opposition from restaurant owners.
The law, known as AB 257, creates a 'Fast Food Council' responsible for regulating pay and working conditions for employees in the sector.
This is a threat to consumers and the industry at large. Fast food workers are already paid significantly better than many other workers at a similar skill level. Forcing wages up will only push prices up, threaten business, and negatively affect many people seeking to enter the workforce.
This is a triumph for employment rights. Workers are increasingly struggling to make ends meet, and the persistent threat of poverty became apparent for many during the pandemic. The balance of power is rightly shifting back to employees who have been given a collective voice.