Fast-Food Corporations Targeted in California Wage and Labor Bill

California lawmakers are attempting to upend the relationship between fast-food companies and their franchise partners as part of an ongoing labor-backed campaign to boost wages and working conditions in the industry.

The primary focus centers over legislation (A.B. 1228) that would hold fast-food companies, like McDonald’s, liable along with franchisees for violations of certain labor laws.

The approach would be unique among states, and backers contend the measure would ensure greater accountability in an industry where the workers are often employed not by the global brands identified on their uniforms, but by smaller businesses that are a step ...