Eric Mason, who owns a Chick-Fil-A franchise in Sacramento, has decided to increase some of his employees hourly wages rather significantly. Those individuals known as "hospitality professionals" will see their pay jump from $12.50-13/hour to a healthy $17-18/hour. In addition, these specialized staff members will also receive paid time off, while all employees can benefit from paid sick-days.
Mason recently spoke to a local television station about the decision, which was informed by a conscious effort to search for people "who are looking for long-term opportunity." The company is creating a work environment that will help bolster an individual's ability to "raise a family," and "improve their lifestyle," whilst stating how "the people are the real key to a successful business."
As it stands, the minimum wage in California is $11/hour, and will increase nearly $0.50/year until it reaches $15 by the year 2022.
Chick-Fil-A has always implemented more traditional business values, as they cease operation on Sundays, also known as the Sabbath Day. In the past, CEO Dan Cathy has expressed how his company staunchly supports "the biblical definition of the family unit," whilst decrying marriage equality as an opportunity to "invite God's judgement." Such comments inevitably spurred widespread outrage and a national boycott.