The California House has passed Assembly Bill AB257, the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act. (FAST)  The Bill has yet to be approved the State Senate.  The intent of the legislation, backed by unions, would provide workers with the right to negotiate for wages, workplace standards and benefits.

The FAST Act will create a Fast Foods Sector Council that would meet at intervals to recommend standards relating to wages and working conditions.  The triennial reports would then be considered by the Legislature.  The FAST Act would apply to all QSR chains with 30 or more locations nationally.  The law will apply to both parent companies and franchisees.

Chris Holden responsible for AB 257 as amended stated, “California has a chance to lead the country and address long-standing issues in the fast food industry by creating a statewide Fast Food Sectors Council.”