Professors John Logan and Sanjit Sengupta Interviewed by ABC7 News to Discuss Different Topics

Author: LFCoB
August 31, 2024

Department Chair and Professor of Labor and Employment Studies John Logan discussed California State's decision to raise the minimum wage in the fast-food industry in ABC7 News, KQED, and other major news outlets.   

As California mandated a higher minimum wage, quick-service restaurants increased the number of jobs offered, reaching the highest rate of employment in the fast-food industry in California, according to the initial data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, opponents of the state law criticized the minimum wage increase, stating that it might lead to job losses and hour cuts. Professor Logan highlighted that there was no evidence of a significant decrease in jobs, stating “In fact, the signs seem to be that the California fast food sector is continuing to grow.”

Separately, Marketing Professor Sanjit Sengupta discussed the potential future of shopping with the use of electronic price tags in retail stores in ABC7 News. John Frahm, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 5 President, expressed his concerns about electronic price tags, saying that it could further reduce the workday of store clerks who are already facing difficulties in securing enough hours. Conversely, Sengupta stated that electronic price tags can be beneficial for retailers, allowing immediate price adjustments to the products reaching their sell-by date. Professor Sengupta noted, “I can see retailers using this to, you know, lower prices.” 

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