By Larry Block
May 12, 2023
West Hollywood’s minimum wage ordinance, adopted on November 15, 2021, applied the minimum wage that was adopted for hotel workers to all employees within the City of West Hollywood. However, it has led to many business closures, including one outspoken business owner of the Chop Stop ETVUD.
When the ordinance became effective on January 1st, 2022, the base rate was $17.54 per hour. On July 1st, 2022, the rate adjusted to $18.35. Effective July 1st, 2023, the minimum wage will increase further to $19.08, making it the highest rate in the state and even in the nation.
The passed resolution has resulted in price increases at all local businesses and mandates a minimum 1% raise each year. It can go up to 4% each year as established by the consumer price index.
Last year, businesses that were able to show hardship were allowed to apply for a one-year waiver. However, beginning in July 2023, all waivers will expire, and the full implementation of the ordinance will be in effect.
In addition, all employees would receive up to a maximum of 80 hours of vacation pay for workers who work 40 hours per week, and up to 96 hours of sick leave for full-time workers. The base pay does not include tips or other forms of compensation. read more