California's $20 Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers Led to 'Negative Outcomes,' Researchers Say

A University of California, Santa Cruz study indicates that California's fast-food minimum wage hike to $20 resulted in job losses, higher prices, and reduced worker hours. These findings challenge the efficacy of rapid wage increases in the service sector and suggest unintended economic consequences. The report serves as a cautionary tale for other jurisdictions considering similar labor policy shifts.