Labor and Workers' Rights

Mayor Rex Richardson has made supporting workers, unions, and working families a core priority of his administration. Through voter-approved measures, labor partnerships, and workforce investments, the City of Long Beach is advancing policies that strengthen worker protections, expand access to quality union jobs, and ensure that the city’s economic growth benefits the people who power its economy.

Supporting Workers and Labor Partnerships

Mayor Richardson has consistently emphasized the role of labor partnerships and frontline workers in the city’s success. Working alongside labor organizations, the City helped raise  $200,000 to support immigrant families, secured a historic labor agreement with Long Beach firefighters, and restored critical city services by rebuilding the refuse workforce to full staffing. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to protecting workers and strengthening the public workforce that keeps Long Beach running.

Good-Paying Jobs in a Growing Economy

As Long Beach invests in new infrastructure and economic growth, the city is prioritizing strong labor standards and access to union jobs. Major projects like the Long Beach Amphitheater are being built and operated with union labor, and the city has adopted strong wage standards, including an Olympic Living Wage policy championed by Councilwoman Suely Saro. Long Beach is also expanding youth workforce pipelines that connect young residents to training programs, apprenticeships, and careers in the skilled trades.

Measure RW – Tourism Workers Rising

Mayor Richardson was a leading advocate for Measure RW, approved by voters in March 2024, which raised wages and strengthened workplace protections for hotel and hospitality workers in Long Beach. The measure established higher minimum wage standards, and improved job security provisions for thousands of frontline tourism and service workers, reinforcing Long Beach’s commitment to fair wages and dignity in the workplace so the working families contributing to local tourism growth benefit from this success..

Measure JB – The Long Beach Jobs Promise

Mayor Richardson also championed Measure JB, approved by voters in November 2024, a comprehensive civil service reform initiative designed to modernize Long Beach’s hiring systems. The measure reduces employment barriers for local applicants, streamlines hiring timelines, and expands access to good-paying public sector union jobs. It also introduced one of the strongest local hire preference programs in the country, helping local youth, students, and underserved communities pursue careers in public service.