New York CNN —California is raising the minimum wage for fast food workers, marking a hard-won victory for those workers and union organizers. The state’s current minimum wage is $15.50 an hour and will increase to $16 an hour on January 1. The new hourly wage for fast food workers will take effect on April 1 of next year. In that period, only the council may set wages for fast food workers. “We are confident that what’s outlined is going to dramatically improve conditions for the state’s half million fast food workers,” Henry said.

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Persons: Gavin Newsom, Terry Chea, Newsom, ” Sean Kennedy, Mary Kay Henry, “, ” Henry, Henry, ” Anneisha Williams, Jack, Williams, it’s, “ I’m, …, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Service Employees International Union, Employees, California State Capitol, National Restaurant Association, SEIU, CNN Locations: New York, California, Los Angeles , California, Sacramento, Calif