In 2022, the City of Inglewood passed a healthcare worker minimum wage ordinance. The new $25.00 minimum wage applies to private-sector healthcare employees who work in hospitals, integrated health systems, and dialysis clinics in Inglewood.

The new minimum wage applied to clinicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, aides, technicians, maintenance workers, janitorial or housekeeping staff, groundskeepers, guards, food services workers, laundry workers, and pharmacists but does not include managers or supervisors.

The California Hospital Association challenged the law and recently the district court struck portions of the ordinance as preempted by the National Labor Relations Act. The judgment strikes sections 8-152 (c) – (d), which prohibits the employer from funding the minimum wage increases required by the ordinance by:

  • Reducing premium pay or shift differentials
  • Reducing benefits such as vacation and healthcare
  • Reducing hours worked
  • Laying off workers
  • Increasing charges to workers such as for parking.

It is possible the City of Inglewood could appeal the decision of the Court, though no appeal has been filed to date.

Meanwhile, the Governor’s push to delay the state-wide healthcare minimum wage is still in limbo. To date, the healthcare minimum wage increase statewide will take effect June 1.

Jackson Lewis will continue to monitor developments related to the healthcare worker minimum wage ordinances and statute. If you have questions about the Inglewood ordinance or related issues with healthcare minimum wage contact a Jackson Lewis attorney to discuss.

Photo of Jonathan A. Siegel Jonathan A. Siegel

Jonathan A. Siegel is a principal in the Orange County, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He practices before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, state and federal agencies and courts.

Jonathan also provides advice and counsel regarding labor and…

Jonathan A. Siegel is a principal in the Orange County, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He practices before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, state and federal agencies and courts.

Jonathan also provides advice and counsel regarding labor and employment law with respect to various issues including wage and hour law, reduction in force, WARN Act, corporate restructuring, layoffs, discipline, leave management, harassment and discrimination issues. Jonathan defends employers regarding different varieties of wrongful termination and discrimination claims.

Photo of Allen F. Acosta Allen F. Acosta

Allen F. Acosta is of counsel in the Los Angeles, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace and labor law matters, including preventive advice and counseling and representing employers in labor negotiations and arbitrations. Allen advises…

Allen F. Acosta is of counsel in the Los Angeles, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace and labor law matters, including preventive advice and counseling and representing employers in labor negotiations and arbitrations. Allen advises clients on compliance with federal, state and local employment laws, including Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, Fair Employment and Housing Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, National Labor Relations Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.