Downtown California Club Workers Win Wage Raises

After one-day strike, struggling cooks, janitors and dishwashers win fair contract

Workers from the California Club, one of downtown LA's oldest private clubs, won wage increases and higher contributions to workers' pension and healthcare funds in a new contract settled just before the end of the year.

The settlement came just weeks after the workers walked off the job, December 15, in a one-day strike protesting management's attempts to freeze wages for six months. As corporate profits soar and the economy rebounds for the rich, workers called for moderate wage increases to keep up with the cost of living.

The California Club is a membership-based organization made up of LA's elite. Its website claims members are leaders in business, industry and government.

"We are very thankful for the great deal we settled at the California Club," said Felipe Sanchez, a California Club cook of 15 years. "In the current economy, too many working people like me are being made to suffer. I'm proud that we stood up for what we deserved. We all feel like winners."

Workers won a three-year contract that will keep them on par with workers at the Jonathan Club, a similar venue, and downtown hotels. The California Club workers' contract will run through 2014.

California Club workers agree to contract after one-day strike, Los Angeles Times, 1/4/12

Proof That Strikes Work: Employees Of Private Downtown Club Declare Victory After Walking Off Job, The LAist, 1/4/12