Unions Exempt : Santa Monica votes to raise its minimum wage

The L.A. Times reports:

The Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday night approved a minimum wage ordinance that would put it in line with its neighbors in Los Angeles city and county.

As in Los Angeles, the law -- which still must come before the council for a second reading in two weeks -- would raise the minimum wage at most city businesses to $15 by 2020.

Wages at city hotels and motels of all sizes, and at associated businesses located at hotels, would reach $15.37 per hour by 2017.

Six council members voted for the ordinance. One abstained.

The Santa Monica ordinance, unlike Los Angeles, exempts union employees working under collective bargaining agreements -- a provision meant to encourage employers to be open to union organizing.

No equal protection under the law for you!