83.9 F
San Fernando
Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Breaking News: ‘Living Wage’ Vote Set for Tuesday

The City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a revised version of the controversial living wage ordinance that some business officials contend is a near carbon copy of the original measure. Business groups are mounting opposition to its passage and the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley is encouraging its members to appear at the Tuesday vote. “This is one of the most important issues facing businesses and we need your help,” wrote Chambers President and CEO Debi Schultze in an e-mail to members. The council last year approved the ordinance forcing hotels near LAX to pay its workers the prevailing living wage. The move was met with fierce criticism from business advocacy groups and hotel owners, many of whom feared the ordinance could spread to other areas of the city. Eventually, 109,000 signatures were gathered in opposition, which forced the measure to a referendum and the City Council to either completely rescind the law or place a compromise on the ballot. But business leaders say the compromise does not include all of the concessions they were promised. The one significant change from the original version is that the higher wages would be phased in. Additionally, the city promises $1 million for street improvements and funding for marketing the hotels. “There is no significant difference to this ordinance and the ordinance that the Council just rescinded as it relates to the proposed living wage,” Schultze wrote. “They are still trying to dictate a wage and benefits.” The vote is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Los Angeles City Hall Council Chambers, 200 N. Spring St., in downtown Los Angeles. Click here to read about the Valley’s reaction to the living wage ordinance.

Featured Articles

Related Articles