L.A. Fast Food Workers Rally for Fair Work Ordinance

Fast food workers in Los Angeles rallied outside City Hall, urging the City Council to approve the Fast Food Fair Work Ordinance, which aims to provide greater scheduling stability and paid time off. The ordinance, proposed by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, would extend existing laws that support retail workers to fast food employees, impacting around 50,000 workers in 2,500 restaurants. Workers highlighted ongoing issues of wage theft, with a recent report indicating that one in four fast food workers are paid below the minimum wage, leading to significant financial losses. The Fast Food Fair Work Ordinance has faced opposition from business groups, who argue it could increase food prices and harm local establishments. Additionally, recent legislation raised the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 an hour, providing some relief. However, many workers express that without better scheduling and pay practices, they continue to struggle financially.