San Leandro Grocery Workers To Get Hazard Pay

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Full-time and part-time grocery store workers in San Leandro will receive an extra $5 per hour in hazard pay, as a result of an ordinance passed this week by the City Council.

The Retail Food Worker Hazard Pay Ordinance is temporary, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“For nearly one year, grocery store workers have endured a challenging work environment
brought upon them by the pandemic,” said Vice Mayor Victor Aguilar. “They have performed
at a high level while providing food and essential supplies to our residents. As I stated last night,
this action will mitigate grocery workers’ overexposure to the COVID-19 virus because they will
not have to work two to three jobs during this time. The City Council took this action in
recognition of their critical work.”

The urgency ordinance applies to employees of companies that employ 300 or more employees nationwide, regardless of where those employees are employed.

The ordinance will remain in effect for 120 days or longer if Alameda County remains outside the state's Yellow tier, or until most employees are vaccinated.

A preliminary check indicates that 2,100 workers will receive the enhanced pay.

The cities of Oakland, Montebello, Long Beach, and Seattle passed similar ordinances earlier this
year. Kroger closed two Long Beach stores, a Ralph's and a Food 4 Less, rather than pay the extra $4 per hour required by that city. Kroger threatened to close stores in other cities where hazard pay is mandated.

"This misguided action by the Long Beach City Council oversteps the traditional bargaining process and applies to some, but not all, grocery workers in the city,” Kroger said in a statement at the time. “The irreparable harm that will come to employees and local citizens as a direct result of the City of Long Beach’s attempt to pick winners and losers, is deeply unfortunate. We are truly saddened that our associates and customers will ultimately be the real victims of the city council’s actions.”

Kroger also announced this week that stores will be shuttered in Seattle.