Posted on 07/09/2024
ONE BIG THING: THE FAST FOOD FAIR WORK ORDINANCE
What Happened?
We joined the California Fast Food Workers Union on Tuesday to introduce a Fast Food Fair Work Motion, which has three key parts:
1. Expanding LA’s Fair Work Week Ordinance to Cover Fast Food Workers
Right now this ordinance only covers retail workers, but all workers deserve basic protections like:
- Predictable scheduling
- Rest between shifts
- Not being responsible for finding shift coverage when you’re sick
2. “Know Your Rights” Training
Los Angeles has some of the strongest worker protections in the country, but those policies are only useful if they can be enforced.
Right now, 88% of fast food workers don’t know their rights. Our motion would require that all fast food workers receive an annual six-hour paid training on these new policies and other workplace protections that all Angelenos are legally entitled to.
3. Paid Time Off
All workers in LA have some paid sick leave, but that often can’t be used for important appointments, family events, and personal obligations.
Our motion instructs the city to report back on how we can institute a policy that allows fast food workers to accrue 1 hour of PTO for every 30 hours worked.
Why it Matters
The fast food industry is simultaneously one of the most profitable and abusive industries in the country.
- 91% of California fast food workers are victims of wage theft
- Households with fast food workers are twice as likely to fall below the federal poverty line.
- An estimated 3,600 fast food workers in LA are experiencing homelessness, which is 5% of our homeless population.
Industry Profits
- Eight of the nine publicly traded fast food corporations posted double-digit operating profit increases from 2019 to 2023.
- Fast food CEOs make millions while their workers live in poverty. McDonald’s CEO made $19.2 million last year and Chipotle’s CEO made over $17 million – yet they say they can’t afford to provide basic worker protections.
What's Next?
The motion was referred to the Trade, Travel, & Tourism Committee for a hearing after City Council’s summer recess. After being heard in committee, the motion would go to the full City Council for a vote.
Two More Quick Hits!
1. Access to Hollywood Update
If you’ve been on Hollywood Blvd recently, you might be noticing some changes! Folks are already able to enjoy Access to Hollywood’s protected bike lanes on some small portions, and the full stretch will be open before CicLAvia in Hollywood on August 18.
2. The Lotus Festival is Coming July 13-14!
Next weekend is the 43rd Annual Lotus Festival at Echo Park Lake, where this year we’ll celebrate the culture, food and traditions of the Philippines!
LA is home to the largest Filipino population anywhere in the world outside of the Philippines, and the celebrations at this year’s festival promise to be extraordinary.
We hope you can make it to the Karaoke Kick Off Event Friday night as well!
