NYC advances bill protecting fast food workers from being fired without valid reason

New York City on Thursday advanced legislation that would protect fast-food workers from being fired without due cause and allow those workers to appeal their terminations if necessary, according to The New York Times.

New York could become one of the first cities in the U.S. to protect jobs within such a large industry, the Times reported.

“No one should get fired on a whim, but for years this has been the norm for fast-food workers,” said Brad Lander, a Democratic Brooklyn councilman who sponsored the bill. “Today they won a big victory for job stability and dignity.”

Fast food restaurants and some GOP lawmakers have opposed the bill, stating that it could create challenges with hiring and retaining employees amid the pandemic.

“[New measures] are going to deal a devastating blow to the restaurant industry,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich (R). “We should be lifting barriers and red tape at a time like this because it’s such a pivotal moment when it comes to New York City’s economic recovery. These bills are not going to help us achieve that.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) has said he hopes to sign the bill.

“Working people have been hit hardest by the pandemic and they deserve protections and fair wages,” he said, according to the Times. “I’m proud to stand with fast food workers as our city creates a more equitable recovery.”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced last week that the city would begin shutting down indoor dining to help slow the spread of COVID-19 amid a nationwide surge in cases.