Proposition 499 would increase minimum wage to $20 per hour for Glendale hotel/event workers

PHOENIX — Glendale residents have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 499, which would increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour for hotel and event workers among other labor protections.

Prop 499, a ballot initiative out of the West Valley city, would also add a city department of labor that would investigate employer violations regarding wages, reporting, recordkeeping and overtime requirements.

Who supports Proposition 499 in Glendale?

Brendan Walsh, executive director of labor organization Worker Power, said the proposition is about giving hotel and event workers a living wage and more protections. The current minimum wage for those workers is $14.35.

Worker Power submitted signatures for the initiative, which appears on Glendale’s ballot after the city unsuccessfully fought it in court.

“I think, in general, people who work 40 hours very hard for a living propping up key industries in Arizona should make a living wage,” Walsh said. “I think those that are complaining about it don’t make wages from the hotel industry.”

Walsh added that wage increases since the pandemic haven’t matched how the hospitality industry has bounced back.

Glendale has been a hotspot for massive events and growth since the pandemic. The city has hosted a Super Bowl, Final Four, increased its concert lineup and has been working toward becoming a resort destination.

“There is a real surge of attractions in Glendale that make it a market where an ordinance like this is necessary,” Walsh said.

Who opposes Glendale’s Proposition 499?

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, doesn’t believe Proposition 499 is right for Glendale.

“It accomplishes economic disaster for the city of Glendale, which hurts the overall economy of the state because of what its tourism hub has become for us,” Seiden said.

Seiden doesn’t believe it is necessary for Glendale to have a different set of rules than other Arizona cities when it comes to hospitality.

He thinks it could hurt business in the city.

“We want people to know that when you come to Arizona to do business, it doesn’t matter which city you’re in,” Seiden said. “You have one set of rules to follow and you comply with them.”

A tax increase of nearly $1 million annually would be necessary to pay for the labor department that would receive complaints, initiate investigations, deal with enforcement and more.

“It’s extremely expensive, it’s extremely confusing and it will be unique just to Glendale,” Seiden said.

Follow @DannyShapiro13