Posted on 12/13/2024
Dear Neighbors,
On Dec. 11, the LA City Council delivered an early Christmas gift by approving a landmark policy that I proudly co-introduced in 2023, alongside my colleagues Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez, Katy Yaroslavsky, Tim McOsker, Heather Hutt, and Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. This ordinance will raise wages for approximately 23,000 hotel and airport workers to $22.50 an hour in 2025, with a gradual increase to $30 an hour by 2028.
As chair of the Economic, Community Development, and Jobs Committee, I was honored to lead the Tourism Workers Rising initiative through, marking a significant victory for workers and representing a vital investment in Los Angeles' working-class community as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Tourism is a critical pillar of our local economy, sustained by the dedication of employees who create unforgettable experiences for millions of visitors each year. Yet, for too long, the hardworking airport and hotel workers—many of them BIPOC and immigrants—have been left behind, forced to make ends meet on wages that fail to meet basic needs. Beyond wage increases, this ordinance will improve healthcare access for tourism workers.
Furthermore, an independent analysis conducted by Berkeley Economic Advising and Research provides a compelling assessment of the benefits associated with this wage increase. Key findings include the creation of 6,300 jobs in Los Angeles and an increase of over $100 million in worker income within four years, among other significant impacts.
Councilmember Soto-Martínez shared a personal connection which lies at the heart of our legislation, stating, “My mom was a janitor at LAX, and I worked as a busboy at a corporate hotel for years. Many of the workers who would be impacted by this policy are on the verge of homelessness, struggling with food insecurity, or unable to afford child care.”
I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson for his commitment and dedication in helping to get this transformative policy across the finish line.
“¡Sí se pudo!”
