A new council would inspect premises and set pay at many of the state’s franchise eateries
The International Franchise Association (IFA) is marshaling pushback against the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act, or FAST Recovery Act, AB 257, which has been introduced in the California State Assembly. The IFA considers the bill, which applies to chains with 30 or more locations nationwide, to be a potential threat to franchise businesses because it exposes them to new and wide-ranging regulations.
If passed, the bill would create a Fast Food Sector Council made up of members appointed by California legislative leaders and the governor. This Fast Food Sector Council would have the authority to set wage and workplace standards, and it would review and assess fast food restaurants’ health, safety and employment standards at least once every three years to determine whether they meet minimum requirements. The law also would mandate that franchisors be liable for violations committed by their franchisees.
In late May, the IFA’s coalition opposing the bill launched a website to aid the efforts at killing the legislation in the California State Assembly. The IFA encourages all affected parties within the franchise industry to read about the bill on the website and register their opposition. They also urged franchise business owners, franchisors – any franchise industry stakeholders – to get out the word and requested posts and links on social media. The IFA website provides an easy, fill-in-the-blanks online form for joining the IFA coalition in its push.
In this grassroots campaign called “Stop the Takeout Takeover,” the IFA specifically called on anyone with operations in California to let his or her voice be heard against the FAST Recovery Act. To send an email to California lawmakers, you can fill in this online form. The IFA also suggests you share this information and link wherever possible, including social media, telling lawmakers that you oppose the bill and why.