California School Nutrition Association Concerned Over Wage Law Impact

California schools are grappling with the implications of a recent law that sets a minimum wage of $20 per hour for fast-food chain employees. This legislation has created a dilemma for public education institutions as they now find themselves competing with large cafeterias for staff. Notably, the law does not extend to food workers in schools, who hold the lowest-paid positions in public education.

The state's Department of Education has projected a significant surge in demand for free meals provided to students, estimating an increase of up to 70 million extra meals compared to 2018. However, finding employees to meet this demand has become increasingly challenging due to the new law.

Carrie Bogdanovich, president of the California School Nutrition Association, expressed widespread concern among school officials, stating that hiring employees is expected to become progressively more difficult. Some school districts, such as the Sacramento Unified School District, have proactively raised salaries to attract and retain staff, with increases of 10% last year and an additional 6% this year.

In response to the wage law, the San Luis Coastal Unified School District in Southern California has adjusted its staffing strategy by increasing the number of skilled positions while limiting entry-level roles. Tia Orr, executive director of the Services Employees International Union California, emphasized the need for school districts and service industries to consider raising wages in light of the new legislation.

The implementation of the $20 minimum wage for fast-food chain employees in California has inadvertently created challenges for schools, particularly in the recruitment and retention of food service staff. As districts navigate this new landscape, adjustments in hiring practices and wage structures are being made to address the evolving labor market dynamics.