California Town Raises Hotel Workers’ Minimum Wage to $23— Workers Claim It’s Not Enough

By: Ben Campbell | Published: May 18, 2024

Hotel workers from San Diego rallied on the streets in protest on International Workers Day, their hopes pinned on convincing the City Council to pass a new ordinance that would establish a $25 minimum wage for all service workers.

The rally came after other communities in California, such as Long Beach, agreed to raise the minimum wage of hotel workers to $23 beginning in July.

Working in the Hotel Industry

With over 8000 hotels in the Golden State, California has one of the largest hotel workforces in the United States.

A photograph of a woman pictured working in a hotel

Source: Freepik

In the last year, many who work in the industry have been campaigning to their local councils in an attempt to increase their minimum hourly wage, claiming that the pandemic has left staff with more responsibility and fewer hours.

Long Beach Hotel Workers Set for Increase

In early March, residents from Long Beach narrowly voted in favor of the RW ballot initiative, which aimed to increase the minimum hourly rate for select hotel workers to $23.

A photograph of Long Beach, California, during the afternoon

Source: Wikimedia

This is a significant increase from the $17.55 most hotel workers in the region were used to. The pay increase will become official starting this July.

Keeping Up With the Cost of Living

Sixth District Councilmember Suely Saro shared her thoughts on the new Long Beach measure, arguing that the hospitality sector has failed to ensure hourly wages match the rising living costs.

A couple is pictured working on their finances together at the kitchen table

Source: Freepik

“Workers in Long Beach’s thriving tourism industry are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads,” said the official argument in favor of the ballot measure,” said Saro in favor of the increase in the minimum wage for hotel workers.

Domino Effect for Surrounding Regions

The news of a win for the hotel workers in Long Beach began to spread, and soon, other regions in Southern California began demanding their own hourly increases.

An image of the historic arch of San Diego in the city

Source: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images

Recently, hotel, event center, and janitorial workers gathered on the streets of San Diego to demand an increase in their hourly rates.

Hotel Workers Rally in San Diego

According to reports, they have requested that the San Diego City Council pass an ordinance increasing the minimum wage of service workers to $25 per hour.

Source: Freepik

While no news of an official vote has yet been announced, the workers are hopeful they can follow in the footsteps of places like Long Beach and secure an increase in their hourly rate.

Hotel Worker Shares Thoughts on Possible Increase

“Twenty-five an hour would be a significant jump for savings, child care, and vacation. Basic goods and services throughout the week, gas, buying food,” said Christian Carbajal, who’s worked at the Hilton Bayfront for 15 years.

An image of a hotel maid pictured standing in the center of a room

Source: Freepik

She continued, “A dollar, two dollars, it matters.”

Union President Shares Thoughts on Booming Industry

Unite Here Local 30 is a union representing over 6,000 workers in several industries, including hotel, food service, and gaming.

A photograph of a reporter asking a man questions on the street

Source: Freepik

According to union president Brigette Browning, the tourism industry is beginning to flourish again in Southern California, alleging that it’s time to compensate the employees who have stood by the businesses during the challenging period following the pandemic.

Everyone Should Be Able to Support Their Family, Says Union President

Browning went on to argue that everyone should earn a wage that is enough to support their family regardless of their job.

A photograph of a small family smiling in their main room

Source: Freepik

“They’re making good money but they’re creating poverty jobs, and I think we need our elected officials to say, ‘This isn’t the kind of community that we want to create, with haves and have-nots. We want everybody to be able to support their families,’” she said.

Southern California Continues to Protest for Higher Wages

While some regions have been successful in convincing the City Council to increase hotel workers’ wages, others have not been as lucky.

A photograph of a woman leading a protest

Source: Freepik

Voters in Anaheim rejected a proposal to increase the minimum wage of hotel workers to $25 last year.

Keeping the Industry Going

Oliva Guzman, a housekeeper for two decades, says an increase in minimum wages is a key factor in ensuring employee satisfaction. According to her, people in her position keep San Diego’s tourism industry running smoothly.

A female hotel employee is pictured working in the hallway

Source: Freepik

“Our employers have been cutting corners a lot, and one of the primary ways that they do this is by increasing our workload and short-staffing us,” she said through a translator. “And this isn’t fair to us because we’re the reason that clients and people keep coming to San Diego as a tourist city.”

Contracts Set to Expire

Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt are three major hotel chains whose contracts are set to expire this year. Michael D’Angelo, Hyatt Hotels’ head of labor relations in the Americas, sent out an email claiming that she and the company look forward to renegotiating and hope to propose a fair contract.

An image of a Marriott Hotel pictured during nighttime in a US city

Source: Wikimedia

“Hyatt has a long history of cooperating with the unions that represent our employees, including UNITE HERE Local 30,” D’Angelo wrote. “Under recent collective bargaining agreements with UNITE HERE, Hyatt hotels continue to offer our eligible employees competitive wages and benefits, as well as comprehensive healthcare coverage.”