Starting next year, fast food employees in California will see their minimum wage rise to a groundbreaking $20 (£16.36) per hour. This move sets California apart, offering the highest base wage in the fast food sector, outdoing its already significant current rate of $15.50 (£12.68) per hour.
In context, the average American fast food worker earned about $13.43 (£10.99) hourly in the preceding year.
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, amidst applause from enthusiastic workers, officiated the wage increase. He dispelled the long-standing belief that fast food jobs are simply stepping stones for young individuals. Newsom remarked, “The idea that these roles are just for teens gaining work experience is a misconception. It’s high time we recognize and compensate these dedicated workers for their efforts.”
The wage hike, effective from April, targets eateries that operate a minimum of 60 branches throughout the country. This change translates to an annual income of approximately $41,600 (£34,000), benefiting about 550,000 employees across California’s 30,000 fast food establishments.
Furthermore, an inaugural council will be introduced, vested with the power to augment this hourly rate up to 3.5% annually until 2029.
In a progressive stride, California legislators are already broadening their horizons, looking to uplift other sectors. Recent legislation aims to gradually amplify healthcare workers’ minimum wages to $25 (£20.46) an hour. Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage across different sectors remains stagnant at $7.25 (£5.93) per hour, unchanged since 2009. This equates to a mere $15,080 (£12,340) annually for a full-time worker.
