"California's Minimum Wage Surge Sparks Concerns and Controversy"

California fast food workers are set to earn at least $20 per hour next year, while healthcare workers will see their salaries increase to at least $25 per hour over the next decade, following a deal between labor unions and industries. The minimum wage varies across the US, with 15 states having laws equivalent to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, and five states having no minimum wage laws. Washington, DC has the highest minimum wage at $16.50 per hour, followed by Washington state at $15.74, and California at $15.50.