The Citys Lowest Wage Earners Get a Pay Raise

The Irvine City Council approved a living wage ordinance on June 3rd, establishing a minimum wage of $20 per hour for part-time and seasonal workers and $25 for full-time employees. This measure also extends to employees of city contractors making over $200,000 annually. Mayor Larry Agran, who introduced the ordinance, stated that it signifies the city's commitment to ensuring fair wages for its workforce. Currently, many workers in critical services earn the state minimum wage of $16. 50, and this change will affect approximately 80 to 100 workers, costing the city between $200,000 and $300,000 annually.

Agran has prioritized restoring this ordinance since rejoining the Council in 2020 after it was previously in place from 2007 to 2015. Councilmember Go pointed out the imbalance between wages for lifeguards and fast-food workers, reinforcing the need for the increase. The ordinance passed with a 6-1 vote, demonstrating strong support from the Council. Agran noted that this decision reflects how the city values its employees and their essential work.