Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Changes Possible to Fresno Hazard Pay for Grocery Workers
David Website Replacement
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 4 years ago on
March 17, 2021

Share

Councilman Luis Chavez is working on a compromise for his hazard pay ordinance for grocery store workers within the city of Fresno.

The legislation is set to return to the council for a final vote on April 8. Chavez’ ordinance would mandate an extra $3 an hour for most grocery store workers in the city.

While most of Chavez’s council colleagues seemed agreeable, Mayor Jerry Dyer cast his doubts, saying the legislation “crossed a line.”

Chavez said he has been speaking with the California Grocers Association.

“We’re working through the language,” Chavez said. “I’m pragmatic. We want to make sure that we work with all stakeholders. This is not just about money.”

The new language could give grocery store owners the option of the hourly premium or increased health benefits.

“A lot of these grocery store employees were infected from COVID and now are what’s called long termers. They still have ongoing medical symptoms and causes,” Chavez said.

Grocery Association Files Lawsuits

Last week, CGA filed two lawsuits against a pair of Bay Area cities that have imposed similar hazard pay ordinances— San Jose and Daly City. The group also has lawsuits pending in other jurisdictions. In a previous interview, CGA said it could file legal action against Fresno.

“In addition to clearly violating federal and state law, the extra pay mandates will harm customers and workers,” Ron Fong, president and CEO of the CGA said in a news release.

The industry group cites a study it commissioned showing that a $5 an hour raise would cost a family of four $400 more in grocery bills.

CGA did not have a comment about specific negotiations with Chavez.

Union: Closing Stores a “Red Herring”

Several grocery stores in Southern California announced they would close underperforming locations in areas where premium mandates have been approved.

Last week, Kroger, Inc. announced it would shut down three stores in the Los Angeles area. This is in addition to two stores it said it would close in Long Beach.

The head of the grocery worker union in Fresno has doubts a similar move could happen here.

“As long as thoughtful analysis is given to how to recognize the sacrifice of essential workers, the threat of layoffs is a red herring,” Jacques Loveall, president of the UFCW Local 8 in Fresno said.

Loveall supports a hazard pay premium.

“It is nerve-wracking for food workers and their shop representatives. We couldn’t be prouder of their contribution to the community and selfless attitudes they display in their service,” Loveall said. “If the proposal is structured properly workers, the community and fair-minded employers will all benefit.”

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Speaker Johnson Raises Campaign Money in Fresno

DON'T MISS

2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Panthers-Oilers Final Rematch, Who Is Favored and What to Watch For

DON'T MISS

Visalia House Fire Causes Evacuations, Road Closures

DON'T MISS

Brunson, Towns Carry Knicks to Victory That Cuts Pacers’ Series Lead to 3-2

DON'T MISS

NY Times Bestselling Author Celebrating Book Release at Fresno Barnes & Noble

DON'T MISS

Dodgers Acquire Former All-Star Reliever Alexis Díaz in Trade With Cincinnati Reds

DON'T MISS

Christian McCaffrey Returns to 49ers Practice, Showing No Ill Effects From Injuries

DON'T MISS

Wall Street Falls as Trump Says China Violated Tariff Terms

DON'T MISS

US Consumer Spending Slows in April, Inflation Benign

DON'T MISS

US Supreme Court Lets Trump Revoke ‘Parole’ Status for Migrants

UP NEXT

CA Changes Track-and-Field Championships After Trans Athlete’s Success. What to Know

UP NEXT

The Pacific Coast Highway Is a Mythic Route Always in Need of Repair

UP NEXT

Silence on E. Coli Outbreak Highlights How Trump Team’s Changes Undermine Food Safety

UP NEXT

Soria Replaces Attorneys In Middle of Defamation Case

UP NEXT

Should Fresno Make It Easier to Convert Office Buildings Into Housing?

UP NEXT

Fresno Affordable Housing Takes a Huge Hit. State Kills City’s ‘Pro-Housing’ Status

UP NEXT

Israeli Politician’s Criticism of Gaza War Toll on Palestinians Sparks Outcry

UP NEXT

What Travelers Should Know About This Messy Memorial Day Weekend

UP NEXT

Attorney: Fresno Unified Needs to Find ‘Nearest Exit’ in Defamation Lawsuit

UP NEXT

Fresno EOC Spending Depleted $8 Million Reserve. Agency Needed $5 Million Loan to Survive

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Brunson, Towns Carry Knicks to Victory That Cuts Pacers’ Series Lead to 3-2

41 minutes ago

NY Times Bestselling Author Celebrating Book Release at Fresno Barnes & Noble

52 minutes ago

Dodgers Acquire Former All-Star Reliever Alexis Díaz in Trade With Cincinnati Reds

55 minutes ago

Christian McCaffrey Returns to 49ers Practice, Showing No Ill Effects From Injuries

1 hour ago

Wall Street Falls as Trump Says China Violated Tariff Terms

1 hour ago

US Consumer Spending Slows in April, Inflation Benign

2 hours ago

US Supreme Court Lets Trump Revoke ‘Parole’ Status for Migrants

2 hours ago

Tulare County Man Convicted of Child Molestation During Burglary Faces Life Without Parole

17 hours ago

What Local Politicians, LGBT Community Say About Trans Track Star

17 hours ago

Fresno Man Arrested After Stolen City Vehicle Pursuit, Fires in Madera County

17 hours ago

Speaker Johnson Raises Campaign Money in Fresno

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson visited Fresno on Wednesday for a fundraiser at Harris Construction. Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Ma...

7 minutes ago

7 minutes ago

Speaker Johnson Raises Campaign Money in Fresno

35 minutes ago

2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Panthers-Oilers Final Rematch, Who Is Favored and What to Watch For

39 minutes ago

Visalia House Fire Causes Evacuations, Road Closures

41 minutes ago

Brunson, Towns Carry Knicks to Victory That Cuts Pacers’ Series Lead to 3-2

52 minutes ago

NY Times Bestselling Author Celebrating Book Release at Fresno Barnes & Noble

55 minutes ago

Dodgers Acquire Former All-Star Reliever Alexis Díaz in Trade With Cincinnati Reds

1 hour ago

Christian McCaffrey Returns to 49ers Practice, Showing No Ill Effects From Injuries

A trader works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., May 19, 2025. REUTERSJeenah MoonFile Photo
1 hour ago

Wall Street Falls as Trump Says China Violated Tariff Terms

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend