California Labor Unions Score Legislative Wins, But Face Uncertainty from Newsom

Labor unions secured major legislative wins in California this year, including bills to raise fast food wages, provide unemployment benefits to striking workers, and establish minimum paid sick leave.
Unions benefited from striking workers raising awareness, lawmakers showing support on picket lines, and a new Assembly speaker prioritizing some labor priorities.
Business groups argue the pro-labor bills will hurt employers, depress job growth, and leave less money to invest in things like clean energy.
The new Assembly speaker says the bills address an affordability crisis and struggles of middle and low-income residents.
It's uncertain if Governor Newsom will sign the bills; he's expressed concerns about costs and competitiveness.

latimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/11/2023

Fast-Food Industry and Unions Reach Deal to Increase Minimum Wage to $20/hr, Averting Costly Ballot Fight

Fast-food companies in California have agreed to remove a referendum from next year's ballot that aimed to reverse a worker-protections law, resulting in an increase in the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour in April and the creation of a new council to consider future pay bumps.

9/12/2023

California Groups Reach Deal to Raise Minimum Wage to $20/hr, Averting Ballot Fight

California restaurants and unions have agreed to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour, avoiding a potential ballot fight over a previously passed law.

9/12/2023

California state workers to receive pay raises after legislators approve new union contracts

California state workers are expected to receive raises in their paychecks after new union contracts were approved by the California Assembly and Senate, pending Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature.

9/15/2023

California Lawmakers to Vote on $25 Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers

California lawmakers may raise the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 an hour, although not all workers would see an immediate increase, and concerns have been raised about possible increases in healthcare prices, especially in rural areas.

9/15/2023

McDonald's franchisees fear 'devastating' costs from California fast-food bill, but compromise reached after lobbying fight

California's landmark fast-food bill, AB 1228, which includes a wage floor of $20 for California workers at fast-food chains with at least 60 locations nationwide, is facing resistance from an independent advocacy group of McDonald's owners who warn that it will be a "devastating financial blow" and cannot be absorbed by the business model.

9/17/2023

California Raises Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers to $20/hr by 2024, Despite Industry Concerns

California Governor Gavin Newsom has pledged to sign a bill into law that will create a $20 minimum wage for fast food workers, representing a significant increase from the current rate of $15.50.

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Posted 9/16/2023, 8:02:34 PM

California Labor Unions Score Legislative Wins, But Face Uncertainty from Newsom

Labor unions secured major legislative wins in California this year, including bills to raise fast food wages, provide unemployment benefits to striking workers, and establish minimum paid sick leave.
Unions benefited from striking workers raising awareness, lawmakers showing support on picket lines, and a new Assembly speaker prioritizing some labor priorities.
Business groups argue the pro-labor bills will hurt employers, depress job growth, and leave less money to invest in things like clean energy.
The new Assembly speaker says the bills address an affordability crisis and struggles of middle and low-income residents.
It's uncertain if Governor Newsom will sign the bills; he's expressed concerns about costs and competitiveness.

latimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/11/2023

Fast-Food Industry and Unions Reach Deal to Increase Minimum Wage to $20/hr, Averting Costly Ballot Fight

9/12/2023

California Groups Reach Deal to Raise Minimum Wage to $20/hr, Averting Ballot Fight

California restaurants and unions have agreed to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour, avoiding a potential ballot fight over a previously passed law.

9/12/2023

California state workers to receive pay raises after legislators approve new union contracts

California state workers are expected to receive raises in their paychecks after new union contracts were approved by the California Assembly and Senate, pending Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature.

9/15/2023

California Lawmakers to Vote on $25 Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers

9/15/2023

McDonald's franchisees fear 'devastating' costs from California fast-food bill, but compromise reached after lobbying fight

9/17/2023

California Raises Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers to $20/hr by 2024, Despite Industry Concerns

California Governor Gavin Newsom has pledged to sign a bill into law that will create a $20 minimum wage for fast food workers, representing a significant increase from the current rate of $15.50.