The Next Revolution host Steve Hilton is responding to a California proposal that would raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $22 an hour and discussing a lawsuit against social media over mental health issues.
As part of a California bill facing voters when they vote in November 2024, lawmakers are pushing to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers from $15.50 to $22 an hour. However, one fast-food president expressed his concerns about the policy.
“Whether you’re a legislator, a business owner or leader, or an everyday voter, one thing is clear: California has become a dramatic case study for choosing bad politics over good politics,” wrote Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA. on Wednesday in an open letter.
The proposed legislation would not only increase the minimum wage, which would affect other top chains including Starbucks, but also aim to improve working conditions.
“The Next Revolution” host Steve Hilton repeated Erlinger’s statements while he was at “Varney & Co” on Friday.
CALIFORNIANS SET THE FAST FOOD ACT ON THE 2024 ELECTION
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger shared his position on a California proposal to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $22 an hour. (iStock / iStock)
“McDonald’s, like many restaurants in this category, offers a fantastic first job at the top of the career ladder. And that’s a great thing for our country,” he said. “What you’re doing when you’re making these absolutely absurd and unrealistic demands is you’re putting people out of work with prizes. You’re already seeing the rise of automation in McDonald’s restaurants and others because it’s cheaper. It’ll only speed things up, not just at the serving counter, but in the kitchen.”
Hilton emphasized the concerns of many opponents of the law, which was blocked by a Sacramento County Superior Court judge in December 2022 while signatures on ballots were being counted and verified. The referendum brought in more than 623,000 valid voter signatures.
Opponents like Erlinger and Hilton argue the law would burden owners of franchised restaurant chains and drive up food costs.
“Just like he said, you have crazy politics over sensible politics. It’s a great summary of what’s going on in every area here in California,” Hilton said.
AVERAGE US WORKER WILL NOT TAKE A NEW JOB FOR LESS THAN $74,000 AS SALARY REQUIREMENTS HIT A NEW RECORD: FED SURVEY
The law, if passed by voters, would create a 10-member council with the power to set minimum wages and standards for hours and conditions for California fast-food workers.
Two industry groups, the International Franchise Association and the National Restaurant Association, sponsored the referendum, which was to leave its fate to the voters.
Despite opposition, Mary Kay Henderson, president of the Service Employees International Union, said in a statement that she remains confident California voters will approve the law.
Zane Tankel, chairman and CEO of Apple-Metro, speaks about California’s efforts to control fast-food wages and how the restaurant industry has recovered from the COVID pandemic in Cavuto: Coast to Coast.
“Despite fast-food companies’ efforts to falsify the referendum process, we know that California voters are seeing through their tricks,” Henderson said in a statement. “No corporation is more powerful than half a million workers banding together to demand a seat at the table.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT FOX BUSINESS
Adding to his criticism of the legislation, Hilton added that the minimum wage hike could result in fast-food workers earning more than some teachers.
“It depends on the exact location, but it’s not impossible.”
Voters will have plenty of time to make their decision on the law as it won’t be up for a vote until November 5, 2024.
Ken Martin of FOX Business contributed to this report.