Glendale shoots down minimum wage hike for some workers

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(The Center Square) – Glendale voters seem poised to shoot down a $20 minimum wage proposal that for employees of hotels and event centers in the city, as well as “other labor regulations.”

The measure was backed by the labor group Worker Power.

“To Glendale workers, it’s life changing. It means working one job, not three. It means making a living, not just surviving,” the group said in a recent tweet.

The group cited data from the Grand Canyon Institute saying it would benefit workers while not posing a significant threat to employer’s margins.

“While some modest negative employment impacts in the Hotel and Event Center sectors may occur, Prop. 499 will boost impacted worker pay by an estimated 22% overall,” the report states.

However, opponents expressed concern that it could result in job losses and other financial woes for the city’s growing tourism industry.

“This is the result we had hoped for. Glendale voters saw how damaging Proposition 499 would have been to their city’s tourism industry, to essential city services, and to their community’s quality of life. This is a victory for Glendale,” Save Glendale Jobs Chair Kim Grace Sabow, who led the charge against the proposition, said in a statement.

“I am thrilled for Glendale, which I am certain will not only continue to grow and create more outstanding destinations, attractions, and experiences for visitors but will also continue to deliver more great jobs and career opportunities for Glendale residents,” she continued.