The Los Angeles City Council meeting on May 9, 2025, featured a significant focus on the proposed Olympic wage ordinance, with multiple speakers advocating for increased wages for workers at Flying Food Group, a company providing food services at LAX.

The meeting began with testimonies from employees who shared their struggles to make ends meet on current wages. One speaker, who has worked for Flying Food Group for nine years, highlighted the challenges of supporting a family on a wage of $20.73 an hour, especially with rising rent and living costs in Los Angeles. They emphasized the urgency of approving the Olympic wage to prevent workers from facing homelessness.

Esperanza Montes, another employee with over five years at the company, detailed her financial burdens, including a $3,000 monthly rent and the responsibility of caring for a diabetic husband and grandchild. She called for the council's intervention to secure a fair wage for workers.

Lisandro Preza, a member of Unite Here Local 11, expressed his ongoing struggle with rising living costs, including a recent $200 increase in rent, which now totals $1,800 for a studio apartment. He underscored that while the Olympic wage would not solve all problems, it would alleviate some financial stress and improve health outcomes for workers.

Herbert Lopez, representing over 500 union workers, shared his experience of working two jobs to support his family, including a daughter aspiring to attend university. He urged the council to support the Olympic wage initiative to provide a livable wage for all workers.

The testimonies collectively painted a picture of the financial hardships faced by workers in the food service industry, emphasizing the need for immediate action from the city council to approve the proposed wage increase. The council is expected to vote on the ordinance in the coming week, with advocates urging a swift decision to support struggling families.