Chick-fil-A is once again proving why it’s America’s number-one fast food restaurant.
A franchise owner in Sacramento, California, has raised workers’ pay from $17 to $18 an hour to provide a living wage.
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The Golden State has a notoriously high cost of living, but minimum wage in California is currently $11 per hour. The minimum wage will continue to increase by 50 cents per year until it reaches $15 per hour in 2022.
Despite the mandate, store own Eric Mason told KXTV-TV that he would’ve raised the wages anyway – and he doesn’t want to wait.
Chick-fil-A workers at the Sacramento restaurant off Madison Avenue are currently making $12.50 to $13 an hour.
The new hourly rate will kick in for employees starting next Monday.
Mason said he considers his workers as “hospitality professionals,” adding that while the new wages will provide a bit of a financial challenge for the franchise, the difference it will make on the community will be worth it in the end.
“That really makes the biggest difference right?” he said. “We have great relationships with our community and our guests and also our team.”
Some employees will also begin to receive additional benefits as well, Mason said.
Leadership level employees will now receive paid time off, and all employees will receive paid sick time.
The changes are a way to attract and retain excellent employees.
“We’re looking for people trying to raise families, improve their lifestyle,” Mason said.
“The people is the real key component to successful businesses. We’re looking for people who are looking for long-term opportunity,” he added.
Corporate representatives for the chain, which is run on Christian values, are supportive of Mason’s initiative, he said.
The wage will be available for all existing employees as well as new employees hired after Monday, June 4.
(H/T: KXTV-TV)