Title
Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Chapter VI, Article XIII, Section 6-56 to Impose Requirements Relating to the Retention of Grocery Workers in Certain Circumstances Involving the Transfer of Ownership of Large Grocery Establishments. (Community Development 7010)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: John A. Russo, City Manager
Re: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Chapter VI, Article XIII, Section 6-56 to Impose Requirements Relating to the Retention of Grocery Workers in Certain Circumstances Involving the Transfer of Ownership of Large Grocery Establishments
BACKGROUND
On February 3, 2015, the Alameda City Council (City Council) passed a motion, based on a Council referral, directing staff to draft and present to the City Council an ordinance to require a transitional workforce retention period when there is a change of ownership, control, or operation of a large grocery store. The theory is that the general welfare of local residents will be protected by keeping in place experienced grocery workers with knowledge of proper sanitation procedures and health regulations.
The Council referral referenced the City of Los Angeles's "Grocery Worker Retention Ordinance," which has been upheld by the California State Supreme Court and may be used as a possible model for Alameda's proposed ordinance. The referral noted that since the passage of the Los Angeles ordinance, a number of other local jurisdictions have passed similar measures.
The City Council requested that staff analyze specific impacts that the proposed ordinance would have on Alameda. The Council also directed staff to analyze any differences between the ordinances in other jurisdictions.
DISCUSSION
Supermarkets and other grocery retailers play a vital public health and economic role in the community. They are the primary sources of fresh food, canned and c...
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