Santa Monica, California – A high-profile minimum wage lawsuit has been filed against the upscale Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, California. The case has drawn public attention because the luxury establishment, known for charging hundreds of dollars per night, is now accused of failing to pay its employees the legally mandated wages.
Allegations Against Santa Monica Proper Hotel
This week, a class-action lawsuit over minimum wage was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of about 100 Santa Monica Proper Hotel workers. The complaint alleges that employees have been systematically underpaid since at least July 2022, despite city laws requiring higher minimum wages for hotel staff.
Plaintiffs, including long-time servers, argue that their hourly wages fell below the city’s wage standards—sometimes less than the cost of a single appetizer on the menu. Attorneys say the hotel failed to update pay rates after its collective bargaining agreement expired, leaving many workers without the raises required by the local ordinance.
How Local Wage Ordinances Protect Hotel Employees
In Santa Monica, hotel workers are entitled to compensation under the Hotel Worker Living Wage Ordinance, which sets higher hourly minimums than California’s general minimum wage.
Key points include:
- As of July 2024, the minimum wage for hotel staff was $20.32 per hour, rising to $21.01 in July 2025.
- Employers can only bypass these rates through a valid collective bargaining agreement or by applying for a temporary waiver due to financial hardship.
- Claims brought under this ordinance may be combined with violations of the California Labor Code, allowing employees to pursue back pay, penalties, and attorneys’ fees.
- Class-action lawsuits like this often seek monetary compensation and court orders for compliance monitoring.
Read the full update on wage changes here:
July 1 Minimum Wage Changes Coming to California Cities
Get Guidance from an Experienced Employment Lawyer
Dealing with a minimum wage lawsuit or wage violations can be stressful, especially when big employers ignore labor laws. Our skilled employment lawyer team fights for workers facing underpayment, wage theft, and local law violations. If you think your employer is unfairly withholding your pay, we can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation to protect your rights and pursue the wages you deserve.
