L.A. Council Advances “Olympic Wage” Plan to Raise Tourism Worker Pay to $30 by 2028

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, city leaders are pushing forward a plan to significantly raise wages for hotel and airport workers. On May 5, the Economic Development and Jobs Committee of the L.A. City Council approved a proposal to gradually increase the minimum wage for tourism industry workers to $30 an hour by the time the Olympics arrive.

Known as the “Olympic Wage,” the plan lays out a phased schedule:

• $22.50/hour beginning July 2025

• $25.00/hour in 2026

• $27.50/hour in 2027

• $30.00/hour by 2028

In addition to base pay increases, the ordinance would require employers to either provide healthcare or pay an additional $8.35 per hour toward healthcare costs, beginning January 1, 2026.

Another key component of the measure is a mandatory public housekeeping training program. Hotels with more than 60 rooms must provide at least six hours of training for housekeepers. The training would cover worker rights, employer obligations, and how to identify and respond to signs of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Support and Opposition:

The plan is backed by labor groups like UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents many hospitality workers. Advocates argue the measure is essential to ensure workers can keep up with the high cost of living in Los Angeles and benefit from the tourism boom expected during the Olympics.

However, not everyone supports the proposal. Critics—including some hotel owners and airport concessionaires—warn that the sharp rise in labor costs could result in reduced services, layoffs, or even business closures.

The proposal now heads to the full Los Angeles City Council for a vote.

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Key Takeaways:

• Plan raises wages to $30/hr for hotel and airport workers by 2028.

• Employers must cover healthcare or pay an extra $8.35/hr.

• Hotels must implement a 6-hour housekeeping training program.

• Backed by labor unions; opposed by some industry leaders.

• Aimed at protecting workers ahead of the 2028 Olympics.