The West Hollywood City Council approved a citywide minimum wage hike that is set to be the highest rate in the United States.
A progressive wage will apply to all workers within the City of West Hollywood, and will be gradually implemented based on an employer’s workforce size. The full wage of $17.64 will not go into effect until 2023.
A $15.50 minimum will apply to employers with 50 or more employees on Jan.1, 2022. It will rise to a rate of $16.50 on July 1, 2022. The following year, the minimum will rise to $17.50 in January and $17.64 in July.
A $15 minimum wage will apply to employers with fewer than 50 employees on Jan. 1, 2022, rising to $16 that July. A $17 minimum wage will apply beginning January 2023, rising to $17.64 in July.
Under the new ordinance, employers with 50 or more employees must offer 72 hours paid sick leave; 96 hours paid leave time for sickness, vacation, or personal necessity; and 80 hours of unpaid leave for all workers in West Hollywood hotels.
Employers with fewer than 50 employees must offer 40 hours paid sick leave; 96 hours of paid leave for sickness, vacation, or personal necessity; and 80 hours unpaid sick leave for hotel workers.
Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Lisa Vanderpump, who owns a number of bars and restaurants in West Hollywood, has come out in opposition to the council’s vote. She says her tipped employees already earn higher wages than other workers, and that the increase would be economically disastrous for the city.
“If we raise the minimum wage now, it’s going to be counterproductive,” she commented during Wednesday’s council meeting. “We’re going to see so many people that are going to find it unsustainable. So many people don’t even know this is going on.”
Vanderpump’s remarks sparked significant public outcry, with critics noting the star herself is worth millions of dollars and may not comprehend the basic needs of hourly workers.
The TV restaurateur has since clarified her comments, tweeting on Thursday that she does not oppose raising West Hollywood’s minimum wage overall, but wants the city to implement a tiered plan to exempt tipped workers “often making $500/night” from the ordinance.
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