Hotel workers in Long Beach, California, are celebrating after voters overwhelmingly approved a city ordinance this month to establish a living wage and paid sick days standard for those employed by the city’s larger hotels.
The exciting victory comes after an impressive effort led by the broad and diverse Long Beach Coalition for Good Jobs and a Healthy Community, which included workers, business owners, labor unions and community groups and had the support of six members of the Long Beach City Council.
The ordinance, called Measure N, is expected to take effect by the end of the year and will guarantee workers in 17 large hotels the right to earn decent wages and at least five paid sick days per year.
Having the ability to earn paid time off to recover from illness without sacrificing their economic security is critically important for Long Beach workers, their families and the local economy — and it will promote the public’s health. Hotel workers frequently have contact with the public, making their ability to protect their own health an important part of reducing contagion in Long Beach communities.
We applaud the Long Beach coalition and all of the workers and voters who made their voices heard this election. Hotel workers, patrons and the community at large have real reason to celebrate.
