California’s $20-an-hour Fast Food Minimum Wage Leaves Schools in Shortage of Cafeteria Workers

The minimum wage hike in California left schools struggling with a shortage of cafeteria workers, as many are replacing their positions for better-paying jobs in fast food restaurants, reports claim.

Free meals for all student

California is the first state to offer free meals to all students regardless of family income. That means their schools have a great demand for school meals and, therefore, for cafeteria staffers. But even before the new minimum wage was enacted on April 1, schools were already worried about losing employees.

Cafeteria workers are highly underpaid 

Cafeteria workers are known to be the lowest paid in the public education system. Filling these positions was already challenging, but the difficulties only increased after fast food workers’ $20 per hour hike. The job is also highly stressful, which adds to the struggles of finding employees who will stay. 

Steps to help the cafeteria workers 

Last year, after Governor Newsom signed the bill raising minimum wages for fast food workers, Sacramento Unified School District took steps to improve conditions for cafeteria workers. They increased salaries by  10% and an additional 6%, which will go into effect in July. The raise was also given to other lowest-paid school employees.

Beyond competing with districts 

The Sacramento District’s decision proved that people in education are no longer competing among themselves. They are also trying to compete with the fast food industry. That’s why some districts are trying to create more appealing jobs with longer hours. 

Time to get creative 

San Luis Coastal Unified District doubled its staff but is looking for ways to make jobs more appealing. That’s why it is seeking to hire a “culinary lead” or “kitchen supervisor,” positions that require more skills and hours. However, some districts have rules that imply cafeteria workers can only work for three hours per day, making them unable to qualify for health benefits.

Possible bonus

Raising minimum wages for cafeteria workers would be a complex task. Still, the Chef Ann Foundation proposed a program that would give food workers who completed a training program a $25,000 bonus payable over five years. This proposal was not included in the Governor’s January budget. 

Things are expected to get harder

Carrie Bogdanovich, president of the California School Nutrition Association, said that the wage increase only made things more challenging, adding that districts are aware they must be left understaffed. It only makes the already uncomfortable reality even more complex. 

Many cafeteria workers have to have another job

Due to limited working hours and numerous breaks, many are forced to work at least one additional job. Even in districts with cafeteria wages over $21, workers know they would earn more in the fast food industry due to tips. 

For most, $21 per hour is a dream

Most school cafeteria workers get far less than $21 per hour, and in the Fresno school district, they earn $15, which is significantly less than $20, an hourly rate they would get in fast food chains. Schools also don’t have an increase in revenue, which would allow them to be more generous regarding salaries. 

There is hope

Eric Span, director of nutrition services for the Sweetwater Union High School District in San Diego County, believes that restaurants limiting hours or firing workers could benefit schools. Michael Reich, a labor economics professor at the University of Berkeley, agreed with Span’s assessment. 

The advantages

Reich noted that school cafeteria jobs offer stability, security, and precise working hours. However, people still want to earn more, especially in times of great financial distress. California is one of the most expensive states, with an average household spending $53,171 a year on housing, health care, taxes, food, and transportation.

The need to raise wages 

Tia Orr, executive director of the Services Employees International Union California, said school districts and other service industries must consider raising wages because of the $20 minimum wage law, which is long overdue. The Services Employees International Union California represents school food service workers and fast food employees.  

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