Long Beach hospitality workers demand equity in Olympic wage implementation

Long Beach voters approved Measure RW earlier this year, guaranteeing hotel workers in the city the highest minimum wage in the nation. The measure raised the wages for Long Beach hospitality workers to $23 per hour in July and included incremental raises to $29.50 per hour by the 2028 Olympics.

Concession workers at Long Beach Airport and the Convention Center, two hubs critical to the city's tourism economy, however, are excluded from Measure RW's provisions.

On Tuesday, unionized workers, supported by Unite Here Local 11 and the grassroots organization Long Beach for a Just Economy (LBJE), rallied ahead of the City Council meeting to demand inclusion in the wage increase. Their message was clear: Equity should extend to all workers who contribute to Long Beach's hospitality and tourism success.

Grecia Lopez-Reyes, director for LBJE, said voters have already spoken and that the Long Beach City Council now has to act in kind.

"The problem that we're having is that the city is delaying the process," she said. "Now it's time for the city to follow through and also make this happen for airport and convention center workers."

Vicky Juarez, who works at the convention center, said the raise is past due.

"Food is really expensive right now. The gas, everything," she said. "I can't even save money for my son's college."

Vanessa Durand has worked at Long Beach Airport for two years. She says the number of people visiting the airport has drastically increased, and airport officials are preparing for another increase by the 2028 Olympics.

Durand said part of her job is to make everyone she meets feel welcomed — a task she said is often difficult when her work is "unappreciated."

"We deserve to get paid what we're worth, and we're worth more," Durand said.

During the City Council meeting, Durand also asked officials to acknowledge the value of those in her position.

"The airport has a charming and relaxing atmosphere, and we want it to always stay that way," she said. "We are asking for Mayor (Rex) Richardson and the Long Beach City Council to not delay this any longer."

To do that, the council would have to add an agenda item and put it to a vote.

Gabriel Perez, a senior organizer for the LBJE, said the delayed action from city leaders is causing unnecessary financial hardship for workers.

"This is about equity and ensuring no worker gets left behind," he said.

Perez said organizers and workers have tried to set up meetings to discuss the economic development department's findings, "including the exclusion of temporary workers and the city's power to implement the policy immediately."

Hotel workers were on hand to speak to the City Council to ensure their cohorts earn a living wage. They urged the council to put the item on the next agenda.

"The council was very proud when we put forward Measure RW," Mayor Richardson said during the meeting, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. The council is working out details from a meeting LBJE had with the City Attorney's office to provide an update, he added.