Hotel wage law is reasonable

Re “Unwise meddling,” editorial, Jan. 2

Why is it that it’s “clever maneuvering” when workers rights are concerned at the perceived expense of private business? And how is it that Los Angeles County Federation of Labor leader Maria Elena Durazo is so powerful that she gives “marching orders” to the City Council? It’s presumptuous to think Los Angeles must attract business, world-class city rich in human resources that it is. Either pay all human resources a living wage or let them engage in collective bargaining. It should be the government’s responsibility to engage in these matters when inequity disrupts social equilibrium. What you call a “random fiat” by the council, others consider an ethical governmental deliberation.

J.E. Tipre

Santa Monica

I was disappointed in the editorial attacking the living wage law for LAX hotel workers. We all know that when employees are paid low wages without health insurance, taxpayers pick up the tab in the form of such government support programs as emergency room healthcare. Why should my hard-earned money go to subsidize big hotel chains that don’t take care of their workers? If the living wage will help put an end to this corporate welfare for hotels getting fat off the users of the government-built and maintained LAX airport, I’m all for it.

Kelley S. Willis

Venice