ONE BIG THING: TOURISM WORKER LIVING WAGE TAKES EFFECT
What Happened?
At 9:33 am Monday, the Living Wage Ordinance officially took effect when the City Clerk certified that a petition led by corporations failed to gather enough valid signatures to qualify for a referendum.
Why it Matters
An estimated 23,000 workers will earn pay increases with the new Living Wage, with a $3.87/hr increase on average for airport workers, and $6.24/hr increase on average for hotel workers by 2026. By 2028, all workers at the airport and large hotels will earn at least $30/hr.
Additionally, hotel workers will gain access to a healthcare plan credit for the first time, allowing them and their families to get the affordable care they need.
Why it Took So Long
We introduced this Living Wage motion 885 days ago. In the years since, instead of paying their workers a living wage, corporations spent millions of dollars to fight the living wage. What started with fancy lobbyists and ad campaigns culminated with hundreds of paid signature-gatherers flooding Los Angeles from across the country in an attempt to mislead working people after the law passed through City Council.
But they fell 8,991 signatures short because workers stayed organized and fought back every single day for nearly three years.
This outcome sends a clear message to corporate interests in LA and across the country – working people can fight and win, no matter how much money or misinformation is used to stop us.
What’s Next?
Everyone who works in LA should be able to afford to live in LA.
As we see the economic benefit this law has for our city — as past minimum wage increases have demonstrated — we need to replicate this victory for other sectors and the entire city.
Two More Quick Hits!
- Supreme Court Rules that Agents Can Profile Angelenos
On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that masked federal agents could take away anyone they want with no due process or justification needed. This is a dangerous escalation on our path to authoritarianism.
We will never stop fighting for the well-being of all Angelenos, regardless of where you come from or your documentation status.
If you witness a raid:
1️⃣ Stay calm.
2️⃣ Call the Rapid Response Hotline at 1-888-624-4752.
3️⃣ Record from a safe distance, if possible.
4️⃣ Stay on site to help document who was taken.
Sign up for opportunities to get involved with Rapid Response trainings and more.
- Essential Resource Distribution for Impacted Families
Last month, we distributed food, essentials, and resources to 115+ families impacted by immigration raids from our Bellevue Rec Center hub.
Even as the raids have faded from the headlines, the need in our communities is as large as ever. Click here to sign up to get notified of future volunteer opportunities with our office!
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Room 8, one of CD13's legendary constituents, and our Pet of the Week!
The beloved gray-and-white tabby, known as Room 8, left his mark on Elysian Heights Elementary in Echo Park. First appearing unannounced in 1952, he returned every year when school was back in session, spending the next 16 years as a source of true comfort for students in attendance.
Trotting through the halls, he claimed the school as his own – offering moral support, watching over young students as they painted, or napping peacefully while the children went about their daily tasks. Never once showing aggression, Room 8 simply adored the students and was the true definition of a loyal classroom companion.
Room 8 is a legend and a true testament to the lore of CD13. Today, we celebrate his legacy by sharing his story. Click here to view the entirety of Room 8’s extensive exhibition!
