In a significant move, a group of fast food employees in Los Angeles took a stand on Tuesday by walking off the job. They gathered to urge city officials to adopt legislation that would provide them with greater control over their work schedules. These workers have consistently faced challenges due to unpredictable working hours, making it difficult for them to manage personal responsibilities such as childcare, financial planning, and healthcare appointments. The proposed ordinance, introduced last year by City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, aims to extend the existing Fair Work Week law to cover approximately 2,500 large chain fast food restaurants, impacting around 50,000 workers. Despite the introduction of this measure, the city council has not yet voted on it. This article delves into the details of the rally, the struggles faced by the workers, and the potential impact of the new law.

Rally for Stability: Inside the Fight for Fair Scheduling

On a crisp autumn morning, more than 60 fast food workers assembled outside the Los Angeles City Hall, donning purple union T-shirts and holding signs that read "on strike" in both Spanish and English. The demonstration was organized by the California Fast Food Workers Union, which formed last year and is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This union has been instrumental in advocating for better conditions for fast food employees across various issues including wage theft, safety, and fair pay.

Lizzet Aguilar, a 44-year-old cashier at a downtown McDonald’s, decided to skip her scheduled three-hour shift to join the rally. She expressed frustration over being scheduled for only two days that week, each consisting of just three hours. Such limited hours make it nearly impossible for her to contribute adequately to her household finances and care for her 10-year-old son, whom she brought along to the event. Another participant, Edgar Recinos, a 32-year-old cook at a Wingstop in Westwood, shared similar concerns. Earning $20 an hour, he still finds it challenging to pay rent due to fluctuating weekly schedules. Last week, he was scheduled for 30 hours, but this week, his hours were reduced to 17. To cope, he works a second job at a smoothie store.

The proposed ordinance includes provisions for annual mandatory six-hour paid training sessions to educate workers about their rights. Additionally, it mandates that fast food workers accrue one hour of paid time off for every 30 hours worked, beyond the paid sick leave they are already entitled to. A recent report from labor researchers at Northwestern and Rutgers Universities highlighted that one in four fast food workers earns below the minimum wage illegally, losing nearly $3,500 annually or about 16% of their income due to persistent wage theft in the industry.

While legislation aimed at enhancing worker protections generally does not face significant opposition from the L.A. City Council, the process can be lengthy. For instance, a measure to increase wages for hotel and airport workers, introduced in April 2023, was only approved in December 2024 after more than a year and a half of deliberation.

From a journalist's perspective, this rally underscores the urgent need for policy changes that address the systemic issues faced by fast food workers. It highlights the importance of stable schedules and fair compensation, not just for the well-being of these employees but also for the broader community. The movement reflects a growing awareness of the value of labor rights and the role of unions in advocating for fair treatment in the workplace. As the city council considers this ordinance, it is crucial to recognize the voices of those who are directly affected and ensure that their needs are met through meaningful legislative action.