Los Angeles labor groups are preparing for a potential showdown as the city prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics. Inspired by recent labor actions surrounding the Paris Games, unions representing tens of thousands of Southern California workers are strategically positioning themselves for contract negotiations and potential strikes.
Labor Strategies Mirroring Paris
The groundwork for these actions was laid in Paris, where hotel workers went on strike a day before the opening ceremonies, demanding better conditions. Similar labor union strikes in France resulted in gains for workers, including higher salaries and improved retirement benefits. Los Angeles unions hope to replicate this success.
Unite Here Local 11, representing roughly 25,000 workers in hotels, airports, sports arenas, and convention centers, has aligned over 100 contracts to expire in January 2028 – just months before the Games begin. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770 and Service Employees International Union Local 721, representing over 100,000 county employees, are also planning to leverage expiring contracts in the first half of 2028.
Potential for Disruption
“We are going to have a force… of working people to do whatever it takes, including striking if we have to during the Olympics in 2028,” said Unite Here Local 11 co-President Kurt Petersen. “The Olympics can’t happen without the workers.” A coalition of labor, community, and religious groups is also advocating for the LA28 organizing committee and the city to address issues like affordable housing – calling for 50,000 new units – a moratorium on short-term rentals, and protections for immigrant workers.
Economic Realities and Pushback
While the Olympics can provide a bargaining advantage for workers, experts note that the economic benefits are often short-lived. According to Robert Baumann, a professor at College of the Holy Cross, the tourism and hospitality sectors typically see a boost, while other industries may suffer due to disruption.
The city of Los Angeles recently approved a minimum wage of $30 per hour for hotel workers with 60 or more rooms by July 2028, up from the current $22.50. Business groups argue this increase will harm the tourism industry, and are attempting to delay its implementation. In response, unions are pursuing ballot measures that would penalize companies with high CEO-to-worker pay ratios, require public votes on major development projects, and expand the $30 minimum wage to all workers.
Los Angeles-area chambers of commerce are also challenging the city’s gross receipts tax, which generates over $700 million annually for essential services. This pushback highlights the competing economic interests at play as the city prepares for the Games. Workers like Thelma Cortez, a cook for Flying Food Group, express hope that the Olympics will bring increased opportunities and better wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the labor unions as the 2028 Olympics approach?
The primary goal is to leverage the high-profile nature of the Olympics to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members through strategic contract negotiations and, if necessary, strikes.
What specific demands are labor groups making of the LA28 organizing committee and the city?
Labor groups are pushing for the construction of 50,000 housing units, a moratorium on short-term rentals like Airbnb, and protections for immigrant workers.
Are the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics guaranteed?
According to Robert Baumann, a professor at College of the Holy Cross, most of the economic benefits tied to the Olympics are short-lived, with tourism and hospitality seeing a boost while other industries may suffer disruption.
As Los Angeles continues to prepare for the 2028 Olympics, will the city be able to balance the needs of workers, businesses, and the overall economic impact of the Games?
