FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2022
Contact: Megan Gamble, 916-832-1884

Campaign announces reaching one-quarter of signatures needed to qualify the initiative

SACRAMENTO, CA – Momentum is gaining to qualify the California Fair Pay and Employer Accountability Act of 2022 for the November ballot. Today, the campaign reported reaching twenty-five percent of signatures to qualify for the ballot.

“California voters are signing our petition because this reform increases worker protections,” said Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. “The measure directs 100% of penalty payments for labor code violations to workers rather than to the state or trial lawyers.”

“We are committed to qualifying the ballot measure so voters can decide for themselves whether they want trial lawyers taking a third of their settlements,” said Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers. “This initiative will give voters the opportunity to empower the independent Labor Commissioner to hold companies accountable.”

“State data proves that it can take years in the courts before an employee can get a ruling on their claim,” said Jot Condie, President + CEO of the California Restaurant Association. “Unfortunately, it’s not the workers that get the big payout, the trial lawyers get millions of dollars dragging proceedings out for years.”

“This measure also protects small businesses that are complying with labor laws and makes it easier to do so,” said Dave Puglia, President and CEO of the Western Growers Association. “Family farmers cannot afford to be subjected to the shakedown lawsuits that PAGA has unleashed.”

The executive committee is optimistic that the signature gains each week will continue and are fully committed to getting the measure qualified by the June deadline.

###

About the Executive Committee of Californians for Fair Pay and Accountability:

California New Car Dealers (CNCDA) represents nearly 1,200 franchised new car and truck dealers throughout California. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new vehicles, and also engage in automotive service, repair and part sales.

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. WGA members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce

As a not-for-profit since 1890, CalChamber works to transform California’s business landscape. Today, nearly 40,000 businesses in the state rely on CalChamber for advocacy and labor law compliance.

Founded in 1906, the California Restaurant Association represents 22,000 restaurant locations throughout the state. The CRA provides ultimate access to the resources and support that restaurant professionals need to lead thriving businesses while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. California is home to eating and drinking places that ring up more than $72 billion in sales and employ more than 1.4 million workers, making restaurants an indisputable driving force in the state’s economy.

Ad paid for by Californians for Fair Pay and Employer Accountability, sponsored by farmers, small businesses, independent restaurants and nonprofit organizations. Committee major funding from
California New Car Dealers Association
California Restaurant Association
California Chamber of Commerce
Funding details at www.fppc.ca.gov