The Los Angeles Post

SUPERVISOR BARGER EXPRESSES CONCERN FOR UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF PROPOSED SALARY INCREASE FOR GROCERY AND FOOD RETAIL WORKERS

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Lacking adequate information and potential inconsistencies,

Supervisor Barger abstains

LOS ANGELES COUNTY —Today, the Board of Supervisors voted on a motion by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell asking for an urgency ordinance that, if approved, will require stores in the unincorporated regions of the County to pay all of their workers an additional $5 per hour, regardless of their existing salary or the requirements of their job. Supervisor Barger abstained from voting for the measure because of unavailable substantive information and answers, a lack of feedback from the key stakeholders involved, and potential inconsistencies in the application of a proposed pay increase that could further hurt vulnerable residents and communities.

Supervisor Barger expressed the following concerns:

“Grocery store employees are frontline heroes during this pandemic and have continued to work diligently and ensure residents have access to safe, reliable food and essential supplies. 

 

“I am concerned the Board is voting on a substantial pay increase for all employees, regardless of their position or salary, without taking the time to carefully consider the potential impacts of these decisions. Grocery stores currently report a slim 2.2% profit margin due to additional costs and supply chain issues as a result of COVID-19. Lacking any true dialogue on this issue with grocery store representatives, the business community and other key stakeholders, we do not know if this significant wage increase could have unintended consequences to the very people we intend to help, leading to a rise in food prices and costs for our residents and reduced hours and benefits for the employees. Additionally, we do not have clarity on how this would roll out for those businesses that operate in both incorporated and unincorporated parts of the region. 

 

“This is an important issue and one that deserves careful thought and consideration. The Board should engage in conversations with key stakeholders and legal counsel to fully understand any potential impacts of this proposed ordinance before moving forward.”