California serves up new $20 minimum wage
500,000 California workers are getting a big pay bump.
The Golden State's minimum wage for fast-food employees rose to $20 an hour today, up from $15.50. That gives many fry cooks, managers, and drive-thru attendants an instant 25% raise.
Your local mom-and-pop burger joint won't be affected. The fatter checks only apply to workers at chains with over 60 US locations — the biggies like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell.
Last year, fried franchises like McD's seemed to support the $20 minimum wage law. Now, many are warning that the higher wages will force them to hike prices, cut workers' hours, and lean into automation and AI.
Your local mom-and-pop burger joint won't be affected. The fatter checks only apply to workers at chains with over 60 US locations — the biggies like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell.
Last year, fried franchises like McD's seemed to support the $20 minimum wage law. Now, many are warning that the higher wages will force them to hike prices, cut workers' hours, and lean into automation and AI.
