LA City Council Passes Highest Wage in the Nation for Tourism Workers of $30/Hour by 2028
Hundreds of airport workers and allies packed the LA City Council chambers for the final vote on modernizing the Living Wage Ordinance. The new law, dubbed the Olympic Wage, was passed and is now the highest minimum wage in the United States. It will raise the wages of workers in airports and hotels in the city of Los Angeles to $30 by the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. LA Mayor Karen Bass is expected to sign the law, which would go into effect on July 1st.
Tourism Workers Rising, composed of SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), UNITE HERE Local 11, LAANE, CLUE, and others, along with the LA County Labor Fed, has advocated for this law since eight City Councilmembers signed on to its introduction on April 12, 2023. The significant victory marks the first concrete win for Los Angeles working families ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This is a victory not just for Tourism Workers but all workers in LA,” said Yvonne Wheeler, President of the LA County Federation of Labor. This was a true labor of love, and the results will improve the lives of the workers that make up the backbone of our tourism industry—a rising tide lifts all boats.”
“Whether it’s the rising cost of groceries or coping with LA’s affordable housing crisis, essential workers like me find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet,” said Jovan Houston, customer service agent at LAX and SEIU-USWW executive board member. “That’s why, after more than two years of workers fighting to be paid a living wage and receive quality affordable healthcare, today we and our families breathe a sigh of relief. LAX doesn’t work without essential Black and Brown workers like us, and it’s long past time greedy corporations compensate us properly for our labor.”
“Simply put, this policy will change the lives of the essential workers who make LAX function and will make mega-events like the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics possible. This fight was for a living wage and access to quality affordable healthcare just as much as it was a fight for justice,” said David Huerta, President of SEIU-USWW. “Today, the LA City Council sent a loud message that LA will invest in workers so they and their families can live where they work, just like they’re investing in infrastructure ahead of welcoming millions of visitors.”
“I work for Flying Food Group, an in-flight catering company that packages and prepares meals for international flights out of LAX, making $20.73. This wage increase will change the life of my daughter and me. As a single mother, I will no longer be forced to choose between paying the bills and buying her healthy food. I’ll be able to save for college. This Olympic wage will be good for working families like mine, the city, and our overall economy,” said Sonia Ceron, dishwasher at Flying Food Group.
“Tourism workers and their vision to lift us all have once again made history by passing the highest wage in the nation! This Olympic Wage is the first step in ensuring the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games benefit hard-working families and not just corporate sponsors, bosses, and billionaires,” said Kurt Petersen, Co-President of UNITE HERE Local 11.
“Today’s vote builds on the foundation of past victories—starting with the landmark 1997 Living Wage Ordinance—that ensure the workers who make the tourism industry so profitable receive their fair share,” said Jessica Durrum, LAANE Deputy Director of Policy and Campaigns. “Tourism workers, backed by a diverse citywide coalition, have led the way to another hard-won victory. Los Angeles continues to lead the nation towards a brighter, more equitable future.”
“Today is a historic day in Los Angeles. After years of relentless organizing and steadfast resolve, tens of thousands of hotel and airport workers, who kept this city running through its toughest moments, have prevailed. With the nation’s highest minimum wage and benefit plan, our city has delivered not just policy, but a powerful affirmation of their worth, their work, and their place in LA’s future,” said Councilmember Curren Price.
“This is what it looks like when working people come together and fight – we win,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez. “For too long, the workers who run this city have been treated as disposable. This ordinance makes it clear that if you work in this city, you deserve to live in this city — with dignity, health care, and a living wage.”