CA AB257

Establishes the Fast Food Council within the Department of Industrial Relations to set sectorwide minimum standards on wages, working hours, and working conditions for fast food restaurant employees, operating until January 1, 2029.

Defines a fast food restaurant as any establishment part of a chain with 100+ national locations sharing a common brand or standardized options, that serves food for immediate consumption with limited table service and payment before eating.

Requires the council to obtain a petition signed by 10,000 fast food employees before promulgating standards; sets initial minimum wage cap at $22/hour in 2023, with annual increases limited to the lesser of 3.5% or the Consumer Price Index rate.

Prohibits fast food restaurant operators from retaliating or discriminating against employees for complaints about health/safety, participation in proceedings, or refusing unsafe work; provides employees the right to reinstatement and treble lost wages.

Amends Section 96 of the Labor Code to authorize the Labor Commissioner to take assignments of claims for violations of council standards, with enforcement by the Labor Commissioner and Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.