Labor
‘Striketober’ put a spotlight on the troubled state of labor in California and the country
Sacramento Bee 10/31
If you’ve driven down Douglas Boulevard at any hour during the past few weeks, rain or shine, you’ve probably seen striking workers holding down a 24-hour picket line outside Roseville’s expansive Kaiser complex.
Back on ‘Front Foot,’ Starbucks Invests in Workforce
QSR Magazine 10/29
The days of Starbucks digging in and playing defense are over, CEO Kevin Johnson said Thursday during the company’s quarterly review.
Food Industry Policy
LA city vaccine mandates kick in soon, spurring worry over extra work, confusion for businesses
Los Angeles Daily News 10/31
Jennifer Febre, the owner of MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. in Van Nuys, has been closely following government mandates since the first days of the pandemic, but the latest Los Angeles city and county orders — which will not match one another — requiring customers to show proof of vaccination have left her worried and confused.
Vaccine Verification Compliance at LA Bars and Nightclubs Is High, According to Report
Eater LA 10/28
This week, Los Angeles County officials reported that health inspectors — who visited approximately 1,500 businesses between October 16 to 22 — found that most businesses, including nightclubs, bars, and lounges were in compliance with indoor mask mandates and vaccine verifications.
On the Side
Restaurants, Welcome to the Metaverse
The Spoon 11/1
Restaurants, welcome to the metaverse. It’s not just a vision that’s 5 or 10 years away. It’s here now.
Higher restaurant wages whack profits—some warn more pain is still ahead
CNBC 10/30
Customers are returning to restaurants in droves, but workers haven’t, putting even more pressure on fast-food chains to retain market share and protect profits while navigating a tight labor market.