Workers Strike at Private Downtown Club, Protesting 6-Month Wage Freeze
Workers at one of L.A.'s oldest downtown private clubs are striking today in protest of a potential six-month wage freeze.
About 150 cooks, servers, janitors, housekeepers and dishwashers stopped serving the 1% today at the California Club by walking off the job in a one-day strike. A news release says that "as corporate profits soar and the economy rebounds for the rich," the club's management demands a wage freeze of its 99%.
Workers, who have sacrificed their pay and healthcare benefits to wage freezes in the past, are instead asking for small wage increases over the next three years. California Club dishwashers and housekeepers earn less than $29,000 a year.
The elite, membership-only organization boasts members who are leaders in business, industry and government. Felipe Sanchez, a California Club cook of 15 years, says that the wage freeze serves as "another example of the rich squeezing the poor. Last year the Club renovated its second floor, knocking down walls and replacing carpet. The rich can afford to invest in fine art and expensive rugs, but not us."
The club's workers' union contract expired in September of this year. Gustavo Sanchez, a cook of 24 years, says, "We're not asking for much," adding, "All over the news, corporate profits are higher than ever, but working people are expected to keep suffering. We have families to feed. We demand better."
General Manager Peter Schaub told L.A. Now that, despite renovations and an elite member base, the club has struggled in the wavering economy. Established in 1887, the club "embraces over 100 years of rich tradition," according to the club's website.
Angelenos who pass by California Club on South Flower Street between 5th and 6th Streets will witness uniformed workers striking while holding signs and banners today.
Negotiations are underway.
