Los Angeles Joins Major U.S. Cities in Tourism Industry Wage Protests

In recent years, the landscape of American labor has evolved dramatically, particularly in the tourism sector. A wave of protests has emerged across major cities, with tourism workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions. As Los Angeles steps into the spotlight, it joins the ranks of cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, Houston, San Diego, and New York City that are actively experiencing significant labor movements in the face of economic disparity.

The Growing Movement for Livable Wages

The protests sweeping through cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas have underscored a nationwide struggle, where workers in the tourism sector are grappling with stagnating wages amidst soaring living costs. While the tourism industry generates substantial revenue, many workers perceive their compensation as increasingly insufficient, considering the rising costs of essentials like housing and healthcare.

In these urban centers, workers from hotels, airport lounges, and other occupancies have taken to the streets with demands that resonate with fairness and dignity. The growing unrest highlights a broader societal issue—how the economic gains of an industry do not trickle down to those who contribute to its success.

Los Angeles: Setting the Stage for Change

Los Angeles has emerged as a focal point in this movement, with a pivotal decision made in 2025 when the City Council approved an ordinance to raise the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers to $30 per hour by 2028. This change, motivated in part by the impending 2028 Olympics, faced staunch opposition from industry stakeholders. Hotel owners submitted signatures for a referendum to overturn the ordinance, but their efforts fell short, allowing the wage increase to proceed.

This ordinance is championed by organizations like Unite Here Local 11, representing many hotel and hospitality workers in L.A. Their arguments spotlight an essential point: workers are essential to the tourism ecosystem but are often trapped in low-paying jobs while the industry profits immensely. The $30 minimum wage is seen as a crucial step toward rectifying this imbalance.

San Francisco: Striking for Fair Compensation

In San Francisco, known for its exorbitant cost of living, tourism workers have been similarly vocal about their plight. The city has witnessed multiple strikes led by the union Unite Here Local 2. Workers at renowned hotels like the Westin St. Francis initiated walkouts, advocating for wage increases that match the rising costs of living.

These demonstrations aren’t just about higher pay; workers seek better job security, benefits, and safer conditions. The disconnect between the wealth generated by the tourism sector and the wages of workers has been a focal point, prompting discussions about the need for structural change within this lucrative industry.

Las Vegas: A Strike with Significant Outcomes

The vibrant city of Las Vegas, built on tourism and entertainment, has also been a battleground for wage protests. In late 2024, workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, represented by the Culinary Workers Union, engaged in a significant strike lasting several weeks. Their demands were met with negotiations that resulted in a remarkable 32% pay increase over five years—raising the average wage from $28 to $37 per hour.

This victory not only highlights the potential for union power in advocating for workers’ rights but also serves as an inspiring example for labor movements across the country, showcasing that well-organized strikes can result in substantial changes.

Houston: Overcoming the Texas Norms

Historically, Texas has not been a hotbed for large-scale labor protests due to its right-to-work policies. Yet, in 2025, workers at Hilton Americas-Houston made headlines by going on strike, turning attention to labor struggles in the Lone Star State. As workers represented by Unite Here Local 23 demanded $23 per hour in wages, they revealed the hidden struggles of those in the hospitality sector.

This strike not only called attention to the workers’ financial challenges but also served as a rallying cry for fair wages in a region not known for robust labor movements. It showcased the shifting winds toward more vocal labor activism, echoing demands for equity that resonate far beyond regional lines.

San Diego: Progress Toward Fair Wages

San Diego is also witnessing noteworthy efforts toward wage equity. In early 2025, the City Council voiced unanimous support for a proposal to raise the minimum wage for hospitality workers to $25 per hour. Prompted by escalating living costs, this initiative signifies an important step toward improving labor conditions in a city where many workers struggle to make ends meet.

While the proposal remains under consideration, it highlights a growing awareness among policymakers about the economic realities faced by tourism workers in some of California’s most expensive regions.

New York City: Advocating for Job Security

In the bustling hub of New York City, tourism workers are facing their own set of challenges. Protests staged by employees of The Surrey Hotel in May 2025 during the high-profile Met Gala focused on reemployment rights after the hotel experienced a change in ownership. Workers, represented by the Hotel Trade Council (HTC), highlighted the vulnerability many face in a transient industry dominated by temporary contracts.

These protests underline the crucial need for job security in an uncertain economic landscape—putting a spotlight on the struggle of many workers whose livelihoods hinge on the shifting tides of tourism.

Conclusion: A National Call for Justice

The ongoing protests across Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Houston, and New York City reflect a broader national trend. In cities like Boston, Seattle, and San Jose, workers are voicing similar concerns about wages and working conditions. With many tourism-related job roles traditionally being low-paying, these protests advocate not only for better financial compensation but also for dignity and respect within the workforce.

As the tourism sector recovers and grows, it is essential that the voices of workers are heard. Their demands for fair wages resonate with the need for a more equitable future for all, ensuring that the benefits of this vital industry are shared among those who make it thrive.