Labor
Ending the Tipped Minimum Wage Will Reduce Poverty and Inequality
Center for American Progress 3/31
A new Center for American Progress analysis shows that setting one fair minimum wage for all workers across the nation, specifically tipped but also for disabled and temporary teenage workers, will help alleviate poverty, sustainably grow the economy, and advance gender, racial, disability, and economic justice.
How Advanced Technology Can Foster a Fair Environment Amid New Tipping Regulations
Modern Restaurant Management 3/30
The National Restaurant Association praised the regulations as “a victory for the restaurant industry and its workers.” In stark contrast to this view, restaurant labor advocates fear employers could manipulate the system by increasing back-house wages at the expense of front-house staff, and by blurring the lines between tipped and non-tipped work — forcing front-house employees to complete the work of the latter while still getting paid at the $2.13 federal minimum tipped wage (in tip credit states) plus a percentage of the tip pool that can only equate to the minimum wage rate as established federally or by locality.
Food Industry Policy
Fresno County restaurants can reopen for more indoor dining. Why some aren’t celebrating
The Fresno Bee 3/30
Indoor dining at restaurants will officially be allowed at 25% as Fresno County moved into the red tier of coronavirus business restrictions Tuesday. It’s welcome news for restaurants – but still not a solution to the problems that have dogged the industry since COVID-19 first hit the area last year.
Dine Out Long Beach returns with special menus and dog-friendly dining
Long Beach Post 3/30
The next two weeks will be the time to eat out in the city as the sixth annual Dine Out Long Beach event returns April 1 -15. Over 60 restaurants and breweries across the city are crafting their own food and drink menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, highlighting some of their best offerings or new items entirely.
On the Side
Hundreds of food-based street vendors receive COVID-19 vaccine in South Los Angeles
ABC7 3/31
Providing access to the vaccine is part of the Inclusive Action’s effort to support street vendors through the L.A. Street Vendor’s Campaign, said Espinoza. They’ve also raised almost more than $500,000 through a pandemic relief fund.
Chipotle Giving Away $100K in Bitcoin to Celebrate National Burrito Day
QSR Magazine 3/30
Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it will give away $100,000 in free burritos and $100,000 in Bitcoin to celebrate National Burrito Day on April 1. This occasion makes Chipotle the first U.S. restaurant brand to offer a cryptocurrency giveaway to consumers.
