Assemblymember Chris Holden Announces Amendments To His Fast Food Joint Liability Bill, Bridging The Gap Between Franchisors and Franchisees 

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assemblymember Chris Holden announced amendments to his legislation, Assembly Bill 1228, which would create The Fast Food Council. The amendments builds upon last year’s bill, AB 257 – The Fast Recovery Act and affirms establishing a Fast Food Council.  AB 1228 represents a path forward to resolve employer community concerns while preserving fast food workers by securing a seat at the table to raise standards.  This bill would authorize the Fast Food Council to establish minimum standards on wages and working hours in order to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of its workers are developed with proper oversight. 

“This is a win for fast food workers and I am proud of the work and collaboration we have channeled to get here. Together, with both supporters and opposition, we are establishing a new standard that inspires a safe and prosperous environment within the fast food industry,” said Assemblymember Holden.

The Fast Food Council, consisting of nine voting members, including representatives of the fast food industry, franchisees, employees, advocates, and one unaffiliated member of the pubic, and two non-voting members, shall provide direction to, and coordinate with, the Governor and executive agencies, regarding the health, safety, and employment of fast food restaurant workers. This council would develop minimum fast food worker standards, including, standards on wages, working conditions, and training, as are reasonably necessary or appropriate to protect and ensure the welfare, including the physical well-being and security, of fast food workers.

“We owe it to these workers to raise the bar and through these amendments we have created the provisions to do just that,” said Holden.