‘Absurd’: Gavin Newsom hits back over Panera wage-exemption puzzle

Spokesman rejects report that California governor allowed bread chain to skirt minimum-wage rules because owner is top donor

Gavin Newsom is hitting back at a news report that he pushed for an exception to the state’s new fast-food minimum wage law that benefits a wealthy campaign donor.

California’s minimum wage is $16 per hour. But starting on 1 April, most fast-food restaurants in the state must pay their workers at least $20 an hour under legislation Newsom signed last year. However, the law does not apply to restaurants that have on-site bakeries and sell bread as a standalone menu item.