Los Angeles $30 Minimum Wage for Hotel, Airport Workers Takes Effect After Referendum Fails

Los Angeles' $30 minimum wage ordinance for hotel and airport workers, set to be fully implemented by 2028, will go into effect after a referendum effort to repeal it failed to gather enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. The L.A. Alliance for Tourism, Jobs and Progress, backed by major industry players including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, submitted over 140,000 signatures but fell short by approximately 9,000 valid signatures after many were invalidated due to duplication and withdrawals. Labor unions and worker coalitions celebrated the outcome as a historic victory for workers, emphasizing that the wage increase will benefit hospitality employees ahead of major events like the Olympics and World Cup. Opponents argued the wage hike could harm businesses and jobs, and the tourism alliance has expressed concerns about the transparency and verification process of the signature count. The ordinance already raised the minimum wage to $22.50 an hour and includes scheduled increases until it reaches $30 per hour in 2028. City officials and union leaders highlighted the result as a clear message that working people can win against well-funded corporate opposition.