Fast-food workers in San Jose gathered in a powerful display of solidarity, demanding higher wages and better working conditions on August 2, 2023. The rally was organized by a coalition of local labor unions and advocacy groups, including SEIU Local 1021 and the Fight for $15 & a Union campaign. It drew a diverse crowd of employees from various fast-food chains. Demonstrators voiced their grievances against the persistent issues of low wages and poor working conditions that have plagued the industry for years.

Chants and signs filled the air as protesters shared personal stories of struggling to make ends meet on meager paychecks and enduring arduous shifts. Many workers cited the escalating cost of living in the Bay Area as a significant hurdle, emphasizing that their current wages were inadequate to cover basic necessities. The rally’s organizers highlighted the urgent need for a living wage that reflects the region’s high cost of living and ensures a dignified quality of life for all workers.

“During the pandemic, we weren’t treated fairly. We were forced to work with doggy diapers over our face because they didn’t have masks for us,” said Mysheka Ronquillo, a leader with the Fight for $15 & a Union campaign who has worked at Carl’s Jr. for three years.

“I’ve seen coworkers get shot, and they tell them to continue to work. And so we’re here today to make a stand and to say no more, that we don’t want to go to situations like that just to have a job. And we should be respected,” added Ronquillo.

A referendum to repeal Assembly Bill 257, also known as the Fast Food Accountability and Standards (FAST) Recovery Act—aimed at raising the wages and improving working conditions for fast-food workers—was approved earlier this year to go on the 2024 ballot. This was also a setback in the fight, according to Ronquillo.

Labor leaders and local politicians addressed the crowd, expressing their unwavering support for the workers’ cause. Speakers emphasized the broader societal impact of fair wages, stressing that raising the minimum wage for fast-food employees could reduce income inequality and stimulate economic growth. They also called attention to the detrimental effects of poor working conditions on workers’ physical and mental well-being, underscoring the necessity of improved workplace environments.

The rally coincided with ongoing city- and state-level discussions about minimum wage increases and labor protections. Advocates for change have been pushing for legislative reforms to establish a higher minimum wage and enforce stricter regulations on working conditions. The event served as a powerful reminder to policymakers of the pressing need to address these issues promptly and comprehensively, taking into account the voices of the directly affected workers.

As the rally concluded, participants vowed to continue their fight for fair treatment and recognition of their essential contributions to the fast-food industry. The event marked a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for better wages and improved working conditions for fast-food workers in San Jose.

With the collective determination displayed during the rally, the workers and their allies remain steadfast in pursuing justice and equity in the workplace.