What happened?

On June 27, 2025, a referendum petition was filed with the Los Angeles City Clerk’s office, putting a planned minimum wage increase for hotel workers on hold. If the petition qualifies, the ordinance will be delayed until voters decide its fate in a citywide election, in June 2026.

Overview:

Hotel Worker Wage Increase Suspended Pending Referendum

In May 2025, the City of Los Angeles approved amendments to raise the minimum wage for hotel workers to $22.50/hour starting July 1, 2025, and to add a health benefit payment beginning July 2026. The ordinance also included new training and worker protection requirements.

Shortly after, a coalition representing the hospitality industry—the Los Angeles Alliance for Tourism, Jobs, and Progress—filed a referendum petition to suspend and repeal the ordinance.

Highlights:

• Current Wage: As of July 1, 2025, hotel workers at properties with 60+ rooms will earn $21.01/hour, per the existing ordinance.

• Proposed Increase: The new ordinance would raise wages to $22.50/hour and add health benefits in 2026.

• Referendum Status:
  • The petition needed ~93,000 valid signatures by June 30, 2025.
  • 140,577 signatures were submitted on June 27.
  • The City Clerk is reviewing the signatures and will announce the results within 30 days.

• If the petition qualifies:
  • The ordinance will be paused until June 2026 citywide vote.
  • Wage and benefit increases will remain on hold.

• If the petition fails:
  • The ordinance will take effect 30–45 days later, and the wage will increase to $22.50/hour this summer.

• As of now, the City of Los Angeles has not yet certified the referendum petition filed on June 27, 2025, against the hotel worker minimum wage ordinance.

Source References

• Reminder California: Los Angeles Wages Increase Effective on July 1, 2025 (VensureHR)
• Save Jobes LA – Petition
• Los Angeles City Clerk – Referendum Press Release.

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