Los Angeles is considering an increase in the minimum wage for workers at airports and hotels contracted by the city, with a proposed rise to $25 an hour by 2025 and $30 an hour by 2028. This initiative, which was unanimously approved by the city’s Economic, Community Development, and Employment Committee on October 23, aims to support the hospitality and tourism industry.
During the committee meeting, all five members expressed strong support for the wage increase, which will next be discussed and voted on by the Los Angeles City Council. If approved, the City Attorney’s office will enforce two key legislative measures: the Living Wage Ordinance and the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance, mandating hotel operators to comply with the new wage standards. Thousands of employees working at Los Angeles International Airport and nearby hotels will soon see a pay increase, which is expected to set a precedent for further wage hikes across the Southern California tourism sector.
The proposed Living Wage Ordinance stipulates that hotels within the vicinity of the airport and all establishments with contracts with the city must implement the new minimum wage and improve employee health benefits. Meanwhile, the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance requires employers of 60 or more hotels not only to provide the new wage but also to grant employees 96 hours (12 days) of paid time off per year, along with at least 80 hours (10 days) of unpaid leave annually.
According to the proposal, the minimum wage is set to increase to $25 per hour by 2025 and reach $30 per hour by 2028. Additionally, hotel and restaurant workers will receive healthcare benefits of $7.51 per hour, while airport workers will receive $8.35 per hour in healthcare benefits.
Currently, Los Angeles airport employees earn a minimum wage of $18.78 per hour, while hotel employees make $19.73 per hour. Airport workers also benefit from an additional $5.95 per hour in healthcare costs, bringing their total hourly compensation to $24.73. In contrast, hotel workers currently do not receive any supplemental healthcare benefits.
The committee’s endorsement of this wage increase comes in anticipation of significant sporting events and the 2028 Olympics, which are expected to bring an uptick in visitors. However, the proposal has sparked strong reactions from hotel operators, who are concerned that these wage increases might lead to a wave of closures in the local hotel industry.
