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Following the controversial but overwhelming passage of Measure N in 2012, the Long Beach City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday night which will set a higher minimum wage for Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Convention Center (CVB) workers.

The ordinance, proposed last year by State Assembly hopeful and 4th District Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell and modeled directly after Measure N, sets a new minimum wage of $13.26 per hour. According to the ordinance proposal, should the Federal minimum wage stay static, LGB and CVB employees will receive a 2% raise per year.

The ordinance was initially delayed since the Council requested that city management look into ensuring that future contractors using space with LGB and CVB, i.e. concessions such as food and beverage locations, are included in providing the living wage to workers. This essentially means that should Polly’s at the Long Beach Airport opt to leave and a new operator comes in, that operator is required to follow the living wage guidelines for its new employees.

The agenda item was met with no public or Council comment. It was passed with eight councilmembers voting yes and 3rd District Councilmember Gary DeLong dissenting.

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