- More than 140,000 in L.A. urged a June 2026 vote on the wage ordinance to protect jobs.
- L.A. tourism already pays among the highest wages; the ordinance could cut nearly 15,000 jobs.
- “Los Angeles residents have spoken—they want a say on this wage ordinance,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
THE L.A. ALLIANCE for Tourism, Jobs and Progress submitted more than 140,000 signatures opposing the Los Angeles tourism wage ordinance, triggering a June 2026 repeal vote backed by airlines, hotels and concession businesses. Meanwhile, a poll from the Center for Union Facts shows some L.A. voters, including union households, believe the $30 minimum wage for hotel and airport workers will lead to job losses and higher costs.
The wage hike, approved by the L.A. City Council in May, faces a referendum challenge, while UNITE HERE Local 11 fights to defend it. The Alliance, a coalition of local hospitality and tourism groups, is asking officials to ensure a full and timely count of all signatures.
“The Olympic Wage ordinance threatens the existence of small businesses like ours," said Gregory Plummer, Alliance member and CEO and managing partner of Concord Collective. "This isn't just a challenge for employers—it's a risk to the jobs of the workers this ordinance is meant to help.”
The Los Angeles tourism industry already pays among the highest wages in the country and economic analyses estimate the ordinance could result in nearly 15,000 job losses, the Alliance said in a statement. Combined with reduced travel demand, the ordinance puts the tourism sector at risk.
Mark Beccaria, partner at Hotel Angeleno in West Los Angeles, said hotels support both tourism and local workers and their families.
“These new regulations will force many of us to fight to keep our businesses alive, putting thousands of jobs and livelihoods in jeopardy,” he said. “My hotel is a family-owned business. We have been an economic driver for the community. Our hope is to keep our doors open and survive this challenge for the next generation.”
Los Angeles residents want a chance to weigh in on the wage ordinance, said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
“The travel and hospitality industry in Los Angeles is still recovering after being decimated by challenges and emergencies,” Maietta said. “We call on the county to respect the democratic process and swiftly and transparently count our signatures and certify the referendum.”
Poll: Job losses loom
A poll by the Center for Union Facts, conducted June 17 to 22 among 507 registered voters in Los Angeles County, found that 54 percent believe the $30 minimum wage will lead to job losses in the hotel industry, including 55 percent of voters in union households. In total, 91 percent said the increase would raise lodging costs for consumers. Respondents also said the policy could affect the city's ability to attract tourism during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Despite repeated efforts, the city ignored the voices of small businesses who shared, again and again, their struggles to survive in a post-pandemic economy,” said Maria Salinas, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. “I join small businesses united in protecting jobs and the tourism economy that supports more than half a million jobs throughout the city.”
Alec Mesropian, advocacy manager for BizFed, said thousands of Angelenos have warned the wage hike will force small businesses to close, cost up to 15,000 jobs and cut $169 million in tax revenue—yet those concerns have been ignored.
“We’re not against fair pay, but pushing a nearly 60 percent increase without a sustainable plan puts livelihoods, businesses and L.A.’s tourism economy at risk,” he said. “That’s why we’re standing up for workers, employers and the guests who depend on a stable tourism industry.”
“Angelenos deserve a say on policies that could jeopardize jobs, the economy and the city’s ability to deliver services,” said Nella McOsker, president and CEO of the Central City Association. “Amid a budget crisis and declining hotel and sales tax collections, now is not the time to weaken revenue sources or an industry that employs tens of thousands.”
“The tourism wage is economic self-destruction—closing businesses, killing 15,000 jobs and cutting $169 million in tax revenue at a time when the city is struggling to keep streetlights on,” said Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry & Commerce Association. “If the city wants to cause a financial meltdown, the least it can do is let taxpayers vote.”
In May, the L.A. City Council approved a wage ordinance requiring hotels with more than 60 rooms and LAX businesses to pay $30 an hour by 2028, despite concerns over declining international travel. AHLA urged the council to veto the measure, warning it could affect the city’s tourism.
City councilman criticized for anti-Indian comments
Summary:
INDIAN AMERICANS are protesting Palm Bay, Florida, City Councilman Chandler Langevin’s social media posts calling for the deportation of people of Indian background. AAHOA opposed his remarks, saying its members are American entrepreneurs who create jobs, support local economies and serve communities nationwide.
The current controversy is related to Langevin’s Sept. 26 on social media in which he said “Deport every Indian immediately,” according local media reports. Another post from Sept. 28 stated, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States.”
Langevin also faced controversy over previous comments he made about Islam and “left-wing evil.” The city council and Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina heard from members of the community calling for Langevin’s removal at Thursday night’s council meeting, according to the local media.
In a post on X, Langevin said he stood by his statements and “Palm Bay will not become Dallas or Dearborn.” He then listed his accomplishments during the 10 months he had served on the council, including removing fluoride from the water and “Initiating self DOGE of the city,” referring to the Department of Government Efficiency created by President Donald Trump.
“There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States,” Langevin wrote on X. “They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans.”
Indian Americans are citizens and neighbors who exemplify American values: hard work, family, entrepreneurship and community service, AAHOA said in a statement.
“From small business owners and medical professionals to veterans, engineers, teachers and community leaders, they contribute not only to the economic vitality and cultural richness of Palm Bay and Brevard County, but also to the civic fabric that strengthens communities,” the association said.
“The recent comments made by Langevin are unacceptable, divisive and have no place in Palm Bay—or anywhere in America,” AAHOA said. “Calls to 'cease Indian migration' or 'deport every Indian immediately' are factually wrong and echo language that has led to violence and persecution in history. America’s strength comes from its diverse population, and attempts to demean or exclude communities based on heritage go against the nation’s principles of freedom and equality. We stand with the community in Palm Bay and across Florida. Hate has no home here and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every resident feels safe, respected and valued.”
John Torres, Florida Today’s opinions and engagement editor, called for action.
“It’s time for the people of Brevard County and the state of Florida to petition Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove this malignant keyboard warrior from public office,” he wrote. “We must address the Indian question,” echoing Adolf Hitler’s phrase “the Jewish question,” which justified the “final solution”—genocide. “This isn’t the first time Langevin’s rhetoric has crossed my desk. I chose not to write the first time to avoid publicizing his comments. But no more.”
Brevard politicians also condemned Langevin’s remarks, Florida Today reported.
"Our family stands with our local Indian community," Congressman Mike Haridopolos said. "They always put family first, work hard, value education and support local charities." State lawmakers
State Reps. Brian Hodgers and Monique Miller echoed those sentiments.
"These comments do not reflect the values of our state or community," Hodgers posted on Facebook. "Indian Americans are integral to Florida as business owners, professionals and neighbors. I stand with my friends in the Indian community and denounce these remarks."
"I stand with the Indian-American community,” Miller wrote. “You have built your businesses, lives and families in Brevard County, demonstrating shared values of liberty, community and enterprise. You are respected and I salute you."
A U.S. Commerce Department report showed Indian visitors to the U.S. fell 8 percent in June 2025 to 210,000, the first drop this millennium excluding the COVID-19 period.