‘The Next Revolution’ host Steve Hilton reacts to a proposal in California that would raise the minimum wage for fast food workers to $22 an hour and discusses a lawsuit targeting social media for those mental health problems.
As part of the California law that faces voters on the November 2024 ballot, lawmakers are pushing to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers from $15.50 to $22 an hour. One fast food president, however, raised his concerns about the policy.
“Whether you’re a legislator, a business owner or leader or an everyday voter, one thing is clear: California has become a dramatic case study in putting bad politics into good policy. ,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger wrote in an open letter Wednesday. .
The proposed legislation would not only raise the minimum wage, affecting other major chains including Starbucks, but it would also seek to improve working conditions.
“The Next Revolution” host Steve Hilton echoed Erlinger’s comments while on “Varney & Co” Friday.
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McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger shared his position on a proposal in California to raise the minimum wage to $22 an hour for fast food workers. (iStock / iStock)
“McDonald’s offers, like many restaurants in that category, is a fantastic first job, high on the ladder for people. And that is a good thing for our country,” he said. “What you do when you put these completely unreasonable and unrealistic requirements is you price people out of jobs. You’re already seeing in McDonald’s restaurants and others the increase in automation because it cheaper. This is to facilitate that, not just at the serving counter, but in the kitchen.”
Hilton highlighted the concerns of many opponents of the law, which was blocked in December 2022 by a Sacramento County Superior Court judge while ballot signatures were counted and verified. The referendum raised more than 623,000 valid voter signatures.
Opponents such as Erlinger and Hilton argued that the law would burden owners of chain restaurant franchises and drive up food costs.
“Exactly what he said, you have crazy politics in sensible policy. It’s a good summary of what’s going on in every area here in California,” Hilton said.
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The law, if approved by voters, would establish a 10-member council empowered to set minimum wages and standards for hours and working conditions for Fast food workers in California.
Two industry groups, the International Franchise Association and the National Restaurant Association, are promoting the referendum that will leave the fate to the voters.
Despite the opposition, Service Employees International Union President Mary Kay Henderson explained in a statement that she remains confident California voters will approve the law.
Apple-Metro chairman and CEO Zane Tankel discusses California’s effort to police fast-food wages and how the restaurant industry is rebounding from the COVID pandemic in ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.
“Despite the fast food companies’ efforts to distort the referendum process, we know that California voters saw through their tricks,” Henderson said in a statement. “No corporation is more powerful than half a million workers banding together to demand a seat at the table.”
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Hilton added to his criticism of the legislation that the increase in the minimum wage could cause fast-food workers to make more than some teachers.
“It depends on the exact location, but it’s not impossible.”
Voters will have plenty of time to make their decision on the law because it won’t be on the ballot until November 5, 2024.
FOX Business’ Ken Martin contributed to this report.
