HOTEL FIRES 12 BEFORE `LIVING WAGE' LAUNCH.

Byline: RICK ORLOV Staff Writer

Just weeks before a new ``living-wage'' law takes effect, the new owners of the Century Corridor hotel fired a dozen workers, drawing outrage Tuesday at City Hall.

American Property Management terminated the workers shortly after taking over the 573-room Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 9750 Airport Blvd., near Los Angeles International Airport.

The Los Angeles City Council last month approved a ``living wage'' ordinance for LAX-area hotels that includes a ban on firing workers for at least 90 days after a hotel changes ownership. However, the measure doesn't take effect until Dec. 30.

``I am just outraged that they would do this to these workers at this time of year -- and sneaking it in before our law takes effect,'' said Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who led the fight for the ordinance.

``You talk about being a Scrooge. To fire workers, some of whom worked there 20 years, is the height of crassness, and I don't think it will help (the hotels') cause in the long run.''

Hahn said she and Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who represents the area, are trying to meet with the hotel owners to discuss the firings.

The Four Points Sheraton is one of several hotels trying to qualify a referendum for the ballot that would ask voters to repeal the living-wage measure.

The hotels argue the city has no right to regulate their activities since they do not have a direct contract with the city. In passing the ordinance, the council argued that the hotels benefit from the city-owned airport.

Officials with the hotel, its new owners and representatives of the hotel industry did not return telephone calls Tuesday.

The controversy came as a weeklong fast by hotel workers ended at the neighboring Westin Hotel.

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

[phone]