Developing Skills for Fast Food Service Workers
Knowledge Is Power. Know Your Rights.
Fast food workers keep California communities running every day. From preparing meals and serving customers to ensuring quality service, these essential workers deserve opportunities to build their skills, grow as leaders, and access the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
SEIU Education & Support Fund's Fast Food Workers Program supports California's fast food workforce through education, professional development, and worker-centered training designed to strengthen workplaces and create opportunities for growth.
Fast food workers face unique challenges on the job, and many are unaware of the rights and protections available. Through education and training, workers can build confidence, advocate for themselves and their coworkers, and create safer, stronger workplaces.
In 2015, fast food workers in California began organizing with the Fight for $15 and a Union to improve wages and working conditions.
Over the next several years, California fast food workers took part in more than 450 strikes and filed hundreds of health, safety and wage complaints with local and state agencies.
Through organizing and collective action, workers shed light on the problems facing the industry and demanded change. Fast Food Workers’ efforts led to important victories and underscored the need for ongoing education, leadership development, and training opportunities.
Cashiers
Cooks
Baristas
Fast food workers across California
Know Your Rights workshops including:
Workplace health and safety
Wage and hour laws and protections
Immigrant workers’ rights
Protections against retaliation, discrimination and harassment.
Essential benefits and programs workers are entitled to under California law.
Leadership development
Resources and direct support for workers and families.
Additional workshops and educational opportunities
Through educational opportunities and worker-centered training, participants can:
Build confidence and leadership skills
Better understand workplace rights and protections
Strengthen communication and advocacy skills
Access resources that support personal and professional growth
Connect with other workers and build community
Help create safer, stronger workplaces
“It’s not the same when they just give you a piece of paper or a computer to learn your rights. If you have a question, who do you ask? On the other hand, in person, they explain it to you, and you learn how to file a complaint, where to go, and who to talk to. It is completely different. I hope they create more classes for everyone in fast food.”
- Candida Masin
“It’s important for me and the workers who attended this seminar because now we know relevant details regarding our wages, overtime, and proper, punctual scheduling. In addition to that, we learned that the company must provide us with free hydration in the kitchen and must have working fans. We know who to call and what to do in cases of dehydration.”
- Felix Alvarez, LA McDonald’s worker
“I just learned about the wage theft they (Carl’s Jr) were committing against me. I learned about my rights and how these companies are against us. I learned so much, and I would love to keep coming to these meetings.”
- Yolanda Cruz, LA Carl’s Jr. worker
“As of today, after this training, I can assure you that I am a new person with a different vision and perspective on labor rights! Today, I will enforce my rights just as the law demands!”
- Johanna Valenzuela, LA Wienerschnitzel worker
California fast food workers have demonstrated the power of collective action and worker leadership. For over a decade, workers have organized for better wages and working conditions, helping shine a light on health, safety, and wage violations throughout the industry.
A $20 minimum wage for fast food workers
Greater worker representation and a seat at the table to improve standards and conditions in the fast food industry.
Continued efforts to expand workplace protections and access to Know Your Rights education and trainings
