Overview

• A California state law raising fast food workers' wages to $20 an hour has resulted in layoffs and reduced hours as restaurants cut costs.
• The law covers fast food restaurants that are part of chains with 60 or more locations nationally, affecting over 500,000 workers.
• Employers and workers face confusion over the law's application, leading to inquiries about exemptions and the need for guidance.
• Automation is on the rise, with up to 82% of restaurant positions potentially replaceable by robots, as businesses seek to control labor costs.
• Critics argue the minimum wage hike could harm those it aims to help by reducing employment opportunities and pushing for greater automation.