California Law Aimed at Fast Food Wages on Hold as State Seeks Alternate Route

A law to increase minimum wage for fast food workers has been delayed, but the state Legislature included funding to resurrect a dormant commission with the power to set industry-specific wage standards.
The Industrial Welfare Commission can investigate wages and convene wage boards to make recommendations for industries where many workers live in poverty.
The commission’s funding and authority cannot be overridden by voters, unlike the fast food wage law that faces a referendum.
The commission must complete its work by October 2024, before voters decide whether to enact the fast food wage law.
Business groups oppose giving the commission authority to set wage standards that exceed existing law.