New York City fast-food restaurants will be subject to new regulations governing how they can fire employees under bills signed into law Tuesday by Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

The restaurant industry criticized the legislation last month as a de facto unionization of fast-food workers and called their passage a “sucker punch” to eateries already struggling from coronavirus-induced restrictions. 

 “This is about treating workers with respect and dignity,” said Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Queens), who sponsored the bills along with Councilman Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn).

The pair of measures take effect in six months and bar restaurants with 30 or more locations nationwide from firing workers or substantially reducing hours without “just cause.” Additionally, if layoffs are necessary, newer staff must be let go before more veteran workers.

“New year, same old poor choices by our elected leaders,” said Randy Peers, President & CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, who called the pair of bills “a serious blow to our local economy.”  

“Almost overnight, in the worst throes of an unprecedented economic crisis, the mayor and the City Council have eliminated small business owners’ ability to make personnel decisions and manage their employees.”