LA City Council Delays Vote on Proposed $30 Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers 

The Los Angeles City Council has postponed the vote on the proposed $30 minimum wage for tourism workers to December 11 to allow more time for reviewing its economic impact. 

This proposal seeks to gradually raise the minimum wage for workers in the tourism sector to $30 by 2028. The increase would coincide with major events in Los Angeles, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. 

What’s in the Proposal?

The motion, introduced by City Council members Curren Price and Katy Yaroslavsky, would increase the minimum wage for workers in the tourism sector to $30 by 2028.  

It was seconded by fellow Councilmembers Heather Hutt, Tim McOsker, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Hugo Soto-Martinez.  

The proposal describes tourism workers as some that work at LAX and employees of hotels with over sixty guest rooms. Currently, the minimum wage for large hotel workers is over $18, nearly two dollars higher than the standard minimum wage in the city. 

Backed by unions such as Unite Here Local 11 and SEIU-United Service Workers West, the proposal argues that workers in one of the city’s most prominent industries deserve higher wages. 

Advocacy and Opposition

Business leaders and organizations, including the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, BizFed, and several chambers of commerce, have voiced strong opposition.  

They argue that the hospitality sector is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and that the proposed wage increases could significantly strain the industry. 

During the latest City Council meeting, representatives from BizFed and other organizations packed the council chambers in a show of unity.  

Their advocacy efforts prompted several councilmembers to demand greater scrutiny of the ordinance’s economic analysis. 

Councilmember John Lee introduced a motion to delay the vote. He cited concerns over "incomplete, inadequate analysis" from economists commissioned by the city. 

Councilmember Traci Park seconded the motion, echoing similar critiques. 

Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez, Tim McOsker, and others raised concerns about the depth and validity of the economic impact report produced by Berkeley Economic Advising & Research (BEAR). The firm has been directed to present their findings in person on December 11. 

Councilmembers could rewrite the ordinance based on the clarified analysis, with a subsequent vote required for final approval. 

The business coalition is also pursuing amendments that would tie the minimum wage increases to the return of passengers through LAX and hotel stays to pre-pandemic levels first. 

What’s Next?

The December 11 meeting will be pivotal in determining the future of the ordinance. With heightened scrutiny and continued dialogue between business leaders and city officials, the delay offers an opportunity to develop a more balanced proposal that supports workers while sustaining businesses. 

For now, stay tuned to BOMA on the Frontline for updates on this critical issue affecting the hospitality and tourism industries in Los Angeles.