A petition seeking to force a public vote on Los Angeles’ newly established ‘Olympic wage’ has hit a significant snag.
While the petition submitted by the Los Angeles Alliance for Tourism, Jobs and Progress garnered over 140,000 signatures—well above the required 93,000 to qualify for the June 2026 ballot—there’s a notable twist.
The Los Angeles City Clerk’s office recently revealed in their acknowledgment letter that they also received withdrawal requests from more than 121,000 individuals, who want their names removed from the petition.
This development raises serious questions about the petition’s future and highlights the ongoing conflict between local business interests and unions advocating for higher wages.
Proponents of the Olympic wage argue that increasing wages is crucial for workers in the hospitality sector, especially as Los Angeles gears up to host the Olympics in 2028.
The wage ordinance mandates an increase in pay for hotel and airport employees to $22.50 per hour starting this month, with plans to scale up to $30 per hour by the time of the Games.
However, the enforcement of this measure is currently on hold pending the resolution of the petition process, and if the referendum is certified for the June 2026 ballot, it will remain frozen until voters decide its fate.
Political experts note that the large number of signature withdrawal requests could influence how the petition is handled.
A seasoned California Republican consultant pointed out that opponents of the wage initiative are employing effective tactics to undermine it before it reaches the ballot.
With substantial funding backing the petition from major industry players like United Airlines and Delta Airlines, the stakes are high for both sides.
Leading the opposition against the referendum is UNITE HERE Local 11, a union that has been actively fighting for higher wages in the hotel industry.
In recent years, the union has successfully negotiated contracts with significant raises after conducting strikes across various Los Angeles hotels.
UNITE HERE, along with its allies including SEIU-United Service Workers West, has begun to voice serious accusations against the business coalition driving the petition.
They claim that petition circulators misled signers into believing they were supporting an effort for wage increases rather than a move to overturn the wage law.
Additionally, they have requested reviews and investigations into alleged misconduct surrounding the petition’s gathering process, including accusations of violence and intimidation from some petition circulators.
In correspondence with State Attorney General Rob Bonta, the union’s lawyers described these instances as damaging to public trust in the democratic process.
Despite these events, the City Clerk’s office has yet to disband the petition.
Efforts to challenge the petition have prompted UNITE HERE to launch alternative petitions advocating for a state-wide minimum wage increase to $30 per hour and to demand public approval for hotel developments receiving city subsidies.
The business coalition, represented by spokespeople from companies like Marriott and resorts that contribute to AHLA, has dismissed the union’s claims as misinformation.
In a statement presented by a consulting firm representing the alliance, it was emphasized that the initiative reflects the voices of over 140,000 Angelenos concerned about the potential fallout from the wage ordinance.
While both sides prepare for what promises to be a contentious battle, the outcome of the petition remains uncertain as Los Angeles workers’ wages hang in the balance.
If the rate of validity for past petitions holds at the historical average of around 75.2%, the business group’s petition could exceed the necessary number of valid signatures despite the withdrawals.
However, the fate of the initiative distinctly hinges on the validity of the withdrawal requests, which remain unconfirmed.
As the situation unfolds, many Angelenos eagerly await clarity on their rights and the potential changes to wage regulations in the city.
This rising tension over the Olympic wage further underscores the broader debates surrounding minimum wage laws and economic stability in Los Angeles.
Until the City Clerk’s office reaches a decision, the implications for thousands of local workers, many of whom face financial distress, remain uncertain.
image source from：capitalandmain
