Here’s how L.A. tourism workers are mobilizing ahead of the 2028 Olympics

When LA28, the organization responsible for organizing and funding the 2028 Summer Olympics, successfully campaigned to host the event in Los Angeles, they pledged that the event would create jobs, provide economic benefits, and instill pride in the residents of Los Angeles.

A group of labor unions is determined to ensure that approximately 36,000 workers in L.A.'s tourism sector benefit from these promises through an "Olympic wage."

During a rally outside L.A. City Hall, supported by some City Council members, and representatives for workers at LAX, hotels, and other tourism-related sectors called for an immediate increase in the minimum wage to $25 per hour, with further increases to $30 per hour by 2028.

Estuardo Mazariegos, co-director of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Institute, stated at the rally, "Tourism workers welcome visitors from around the globe. We must ensure that these workers are treated with dignity and can afford to live where they work."

As tourism in the city rebounds to nearly pre-pandemic levels, labor advocates argue that the Olympics may benefit corporations while disadvantaging the low-wage workers essential to the smooth operation of LAX, hotels, and other tourism services.

"It's unacceptable that while the tourism industry secures its future growth, our families struggle to keep a roof over their heads," said Councilmember Curren Price at the rally.

Price co-authored a motion in April 2023 proposing wage increases, and a city report was commissioned to assess the economic impact of these increases. This report is expected to be released within two weeks, according to Chief Legislative Analyst Sharon Tso. However, labor groups are frustrated by the delays.

"We anticipated this process would take three to four months, and now it has taken much longer," said Anton Farmby, vice president of SEIU United Service Workers West. "The time for action is now."

Jovan Houston, a passenger service agent at LAX, described her job as stressful and demanding, with a current wage of just $19.78 per hour. "It's disheartening to work so hard for such little pay," she said.

Houston expressed that better wages would allow her to stop living paycheck to paycheck and spend more time with her family. "Enough is enough. We need this," she said.

In 2023, the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, and the California Hotel & Lodging Association opposed the proposed wage increases, citing the ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

"Proposals like these contribute to the city's reputation as a challenging place for business and employment," said spokesperson Peter Hillan.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

The 1984 Olympics in L.A. are often cited as an economic success, as the city profited from the event. However, the legacy also includes controversial measures like homeless sweeps and aggressive policing, which critics argue caused lasting harm to marginalized communities.

In 1984, the organization behind the Games was described as "super corporate, hyper-private," largely excluding labor unions, said Mindy Chen, director of the Dolores Huerta Labor Institute and professor of labor studies at Los Angeles Trade-Tech College.

Since then, the region has changed significantly, and workers now hold more power. "L.A. is a union town now," Chen noted, a shift made possible by labor revitalization in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Chen pointed out that labor leaders are among LA28's committee and board members. However, tensions may still arise, especially since Airbnb, one of LA28's partners, is unpopular with unionized hotel workers. Over 15,000 hotel workers in L.A. and Orange counties went on strike last year to secure better contracts.

Chen emphasized that dozens of hotel contracts are set to expire just before the 2028 Games, which could give unions significant bargaining power. She is optimistic that the city's strong union presence will lead to a collaborative approach with Olympic organizers, resulting in local hires, lasting benefits, and union jobs. "When labor is involved, they will demand what they need at the table," she said.