AB 257, termed the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act or FAST Recovery Act, proposes to establish a Fast Food Sector Council to regulate California’s fast food restaurants. The council would be composed of 10 members who are not elected, but are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, and the State Rules Committee. The council would have the power to set standards for minimum wages, working hours, “and other working conditions related to the health, safety, and welfare of” fast food establishments. The bill is being voted on next week by the California Senate. Here are five key aspects of the proposed bill to regulate California restaurants:

1. AB 257 regulates “fast food chains.”

As drafted, the bill permits the council to regulate fast food chains. The bill defines “fast food chain” as “a set of restaurants consisting of 100 or more establishments nationally that share a common brand, or that are characterized by standardized options for decor, marketing, packaging, products, and services.” The bill would add another layer of complexity for these restaurants in addition to the existing Labor Code.

2. Permits the Council to increase the minimum wage for fast food workers to $22 per hour by January 1, 2023.

The bill permits the council to set standards for minimum wages, maximum hours of work, and other working conditions for fast food restaurant employees.

The bill permits the council’s ability to increase minimum wage for restaurant...

Read Full Story: https://www.californiaemploymentlawreport.com/2022/08/how-the-fast-act-could-...