But first here at 6:00, we begin with today's pay
increase for many fast food employees.
As of today, the statewide minimum wage for most fast
food workers in California has officially increased from
$16.00 to $20.00 an hour.
Our capital correspondent State Capital correspondent Etan Wallace spoke with
a fast food employee and a franchise owner and joins
us with how each says the new minimum wage will
impact them.
It's officially the law of the land in California.
As of today, the new minimum wage for most fast
food employees in the state is increasing to $20.00 an
hour,
as mandated by a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom
last year.
But amigo bueno, for me this increase is going to
be really,
really good. Speaking to us in Spanish,
Leticia Reyes said she's been waiting years to see such
an increase.
A jack-in-the-box employee at two different locations for the last
five years,
she says it's been challenging to afford basics in California,
especially now that she has to pay for her rent
and for the housing of her son,
who's away at college. She's confident the new wage will
make life a little easier.
It's going
to really be a relief for me
because things continue to go up gas,
food, clothing expenses and and and as I mentioned,
I helped write my son too with all of those
expenses.
And so this is going to be a huge relief
for for me and my family.
But on the other hand,
franchisees we spoke to say the new minimum wage law
will make it more challenging for them to run a
business.
Oh, definitely. You know we're going to have to increase
prices that cover the cost.
Brian Ham owns 2 Vitality Bowls locations in San Jose.
Real possibilities of cutting hours for my employees,
which is it's not good
and also possibly layoffs or small business.
You know, we as mines is a family business.
I have my wife, my two sons,
and basically, you know, there's a potential
if things don't improve with the higher prices and the
customer stop coming in that we will shut down.
And you know, then basically people will lose jobs.
But some businesses are exempt from the new law,
including restaurants in airports, museums,
hotels, theme parks, gambling establishments and some event centers.
As for why, this explanation was provided at a virtual
press conference put on by the SEIU union who helped
to negotiate the law.
Those people already covered by living wage laws at the
at the airports and businesses that bacon sell bread as
a standalone item are also exempt.
The laws author, Democratic Assembly member Chris Holden,
said exemptions were a result of negotiations between various fast
food industry stakeholders.
But legislative Republicans say they're skeptical.
If this is a bad law for one company,
it's probably a bad law for every other company.
And remember, this minimum wage law also created the state's
brand new Fast Food Council to come up with standards,
working conditions and a gradual pay increase over time.
The council held its first meeting last month and is
expected to meet sometime again in the next six months.
Reporting at the State Capitol Eton Wallace,
17 News.