The new law, the first in the nation, is set to make big changes to McDonald’s, Starbucks and fast-food restaurants — what it means

A NEW fast food law could mean big changes to your favorite food chains – here’s what it means.

The “groundbreaking” law aims to raise wages and improve working conditions for more than half a million fast-food workers.

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California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber announced Tuesday that enough signatures had been collected for a statewide referendum on the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act.

More than 623,000 valid voter signatures were collected for the referendum to be placed on the November 5, 2024 ballot.

The law could create a 10-member council to set minimum wages and standards for hours and conditions for fast-food workers in the state.

Opponents of the law have argued that it would drive up food costs and burden owners of franchised restaurant chains.

“We are pleased that Californians are being given the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote on this law, and we will continue to support the operators, small business owners and workers who make the restaurant industry so important to the lives of our customers,” said Sean Kennedy , executive vice president of public affairs for the National Restaurant Association, in a statement.

The law was temporarily blocked by a Sacramento County Superior Court judge in December.

If passed, the law would have increased employee wages to as much as $22 an hour by the end of this year for chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks.

The current minimum wage in California is $15.50 an hour.

Supporters for and against the law are expected to spend millions to attract voters.

“Despite fast-food companies’ efforts to skew the referendum, we know that California voters are seeing through their tricks,” said Mary Kay Henderson, president of the Service Employees International Union.

“No corporation is more powerful than half a million workers banding together to demand a seat at the table.”

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