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On April 1, 2024, California raised the minimum wage for fast food workers by $4 to $20/hour, making it the largest minimum wage increase in recent U.S. history. Industry lobbyists predicted severe job loss and price increases. These two studies find otherwise:

California’s fast food minimum wage hike didn’t cost jobs, study says – Quartz

“The study contradicts the common belief that higher wages would require workforce reductions. The policy change did lead to a modest price increase of about 3.7% for menu items, translating to an additional 15 cents on a $4 burger.”

Early Effects of California’s $20 Fast Food Minimum Wage: Large Wage Increases with No Effects on Hours, Scheduling, or Benefits – Harvard University KSG


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