Quantcast

Tourism workers launch campaign against petition targeting Olympic Wage

Tourism workers launch campaign against petition targeting Olympic Wage
Webp zsatpb626uzfqe9gfzrh2b05jock
Kurt Petersen Co-President | Unite Here Local 11

Over a hundred tourism workers in Los Angeles have launched the "Defend The Wage LA" campaign to oppose a petition from the tourism industry aimed at overturning the Olympic Wage. This wage increase, set at $30 by the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was achieved after extensive efforts by room attendants, cooks, dishwashers, airline catering, and airport workers.

Maria Torres, a dishwasher at Flying Food Group and member of UNITE HERE Local 11, emphasized her struggle for the wage to support her family in Honduras. She plans to move due to high living costs in Los Angeles. "I will be out there every day educating voters about the bosses’ phony petition and urging them not to sign," she said.

Kurt Petersen, Co-President of UNITE HERE Local 11, likened the situation to "David versus Goliath," accusing Delta and United Airlines and the hotel industry of trying to undermine worker wages. He urged people to report anti-Olympic Wage petition circulators.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The tourism industry has reportedly spent over $1 million opposing this wage increase and is expected to spend more on a referendum. Major funding comes from Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In contrast, CEO compensations have significantly increased over recent years.

David Huerta of SEIU United Service Workers West criticized these companies for prioritizing profit over fair wages for working families in L.A., while Jovan Houston from LAX expressed disappointment over airlines' actions against their own employees' interests.

Jessica Durrum of LAANE’s Tourism Workers Rising coalition highlighted past successes in defending living wage laws against corporate challenges. She expressed confidence that united efforts would uphold these protections.

UNITE HERE Local 11 has previously succeeded in passing similar wage increases across various cities since 2016.

Information from this article can be found here.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

A United Express Embraer E175, operated by Mesa Air Shuttle, made an emergency landing at Charleston International Airport (CHS) late on June 18.

Jun 23, 2025

Earlier this week, a Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 experienced an incident upon landing in Greece.

Jun 23, 2025

The Salt Lake City International Airport's $5.2 billion reconstruction project is nearing completion, with the final phases expected to conclude in 2026.

Jun 23, 2025

The Airbus A380, once celebrated as the world's largest passenger aircraft, is seeing its role in global aviation diminish.

Jun 23, 2025

Passengers on Southwest Airlines flight 3508 experienced significant turbulence on June 14, resulting in serious injuries to one passenger.

Jun 23, 2025

The Canadian government has released a report on the state of the airline industry, emphasizing the need for increased competition to enhance affordability, service, and choice for consumers.

Jun 23, 2025