Santa Monica is poised to follow in neighboring Los Angeles’ footsteps by raising the minimum wage to $15 come 2020. The proposed rdinance garnered six yes votes Tuesday with one council member abstaining and is due back for a second reading in two weeks.
Though similar, the minimum wage ordinances in Santa Monica and Los Angeles differ significantly when it comes to workers with collective bargaining agreements. The Santa Monica City Council carved out an exemption for unionized employees. A similar proposal was rejected in Los Angeles.
Like Los Angeles, Santa Monica is embracing a phased-in approach. Under the measure, wages will jump to $13.25 per hour on July 1, 2016 and to $15.37 in 2017. Thereafter, wages will be followed by annual consumer price index increases.
The ordinance would also extend paid leave for employees beyond the three days mandated by the state.
Read more about the ordinance here.