In Los Angeles, a historic change has just received the green light. The City Council has approved a wage increase that will transform the lives of thousands of employees in the tourism sector. The measure comes after intense months of union pressure and demonstrations in front of City Hall.
This is not a simple payroll adjustment. It is a commitment that places hotel and airport workers at the center of public discussion. Unions such as Unite Here Local 11 and United Service Workers West were key to moving this proposal forward.
Who are the beneficiaries
The increase will reach more than 23,000 people linked to Los Angeles tourism. These include employees of hotels with at least 60 rooms, from cleaning staff to receptionists and maintenance workers.
Meanwhile, employees at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will also benefit. This includes customer service agents, baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, and security staff. The goal is to raise their incomes and improve the stability of those who keep the sector running day by day.
The increase will not be immediate, but will be applied gradually. The first raise will come in July 2025 with a wage of $22.50 per hour. From there, increases will be set each year until reaching $30 in 2028.
How the increase will be applied
The plan follows a clear roadmap. In July 2025, the minimum wage will be $22.50 per hour (about 20.57 €/h), in 2026 it will be set at $25 (about 22.86 €/h), in 2027 it will reach $27.50 (about 25.15 €/h), and finally it will reach $30 (about 27.43 €/h) in 2028. This scale aims for an orderly transition that gives both workers and employers time to adjust.
On top of the base wage, there is an additional payment of $8.35 per hour (about 7.64 €/h) for health services. This means that the total value of real compensation far exceeds the official rate. The measure makes Los Angeles one of the cities with the most favorable conditions for this type of worker.
For unions, the agreement is an unprecedented victory. Many see it as recognition of the invisible work that keeps the city's tourism industry going. The voice of Jovan Houston, a customer service agent at LAX, reflects that spirit: after participating in a three-day hunger strike, she said she felt "overjoyed."
An open debate
Not everyone is celebrating. Some council members and business owners have expressed concern about the side effects. They fear that the additional costs will lead to layoffs, drive automation, or reduce the availability of services in hotels and at the airport.
Councilmember Monica Rodríguez issued a clear warning. She pointed out that the risk is ending up with "the best-paid unemployed workforce in the country." Her words sum up the dilemma that divides public opinion and the Council itself.
The underlying discussion is whether this decision is an act of justice or a risky step. Los Angeles seeks to improve the lives of those who keep its tourism economy running, just as the 2028 Olympic Games are just around the corner. Time will tell whether this wage leap manages to balance labor dignity and business sustainability.