Panel Backs Pay Hike for LAX Hotel Workers

A City Council panel voted 2 to 0 on Wednesday to extend a living wage ordinance to about 3,500 workers at 13 hotels near Los Angeles International Airport.

Many workers would probably see a $1 to $1.50 per hour raise if the full council approves the move in the coming weeks. The ordinance is usually applied to employees of contractors doing work for the city.

The Hotel Assn. of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce both oppose the change and say it will damage the tourism industry by increasing hotel room costs.