Public Supports Olympic Wage Amid Rising Living Costs in Los Angeles

Los Angeles City Council members faced pressing community concerns during their recent meeting on May 9, 2025, as residents voiced their struggles with rising living costs and the need for better support systems.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed layoffs of 460 crossing guards, which would replace them with traffic officers. Critics argued that this change would not only reduce the number of corners served but also fail to save the city money, as traffic officers often earn more in overtime than their base salary. Advocates for the crossing guard program emphasized the importance of familiar faces in the community and urged the council to reconsider this costly proposal.

In addition, several speakers from the Flying Food Group, a company servicing international flights at LAX, shared their personal stories of financial hardship. Workers highlighted the challenges of living on wages of $20.73 an hour while facing rising rents and essential living expenses. They called for the approval of the Olympic wage ordinance, which they believe would provide much-needed relief for working families struggling to make ends meet.

Maria Torres, one of the speakers, expressed her desperation, stating that her rent had increased by $300, making it increasingly difficult to support her family. Other workers echoed her sentiments, emphasizing that the proposed wage increase would not only help them but also strengthen the local economy by preventing families from falling into homelessness.

The council's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial for addressing these urgent community needs. As residents continue to advocate for fair wages and essential services, the council faces the challenge of balancing budget constraints with the pressing demands of its constituents.