California's $20 Minimum Wage Cuts 10,000 Fast Food Jobs

New wage law leads to price hikes, reduced hours, and increased automation in fast food industry

The $20 per hour minimum wage went into effect on April 1, impacting restaurants with at least 60 locations nationwide.
California Business and Industrial Alliance reports nearly 10,000 job losses in the fast food sector since the law's implementation.
Major chains like McDonald's, Chipotle, and Burger King have raised prices to cope with increased labor costs.
Critics argue the wage hike forces businesses to cut hours and move towards automation, hurting workers in the long run.
A survey found that 78% of consumers now view fast food as a luxury purchase due to rising prices.