Friends,

L.A.'s essential workers risk their health each day to keep Angelenos fed and connected to the critical resources we need. They've supported us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and now it's time for us to support them.

The L.A. City Council is looking at the possibility of establishing an emergency, temporary ordinance of $5 hazard pay for grocery workers. This ordinance will come back to council for a vote in February and it is crucial they hear from you.

Many grocery and drug retail workers have become the primary earners in their households as families struggle under the combined weight of COVID-19 and widespread unemployment. Working Angelenos, especially families of color, have also not been able to shelter in place throughout the pandemic because they are more likely to hold essential jobs and thus face an increased exposure to the virus.

Workers deserve hazard pay for hazardous work. This is the right policy for this unprecedented moment. 

Public Comment Template: 
Find which district you live in by entering your address here, as well as a complete directory of L.A. City Council members here. 

My name is _____ and I live in District __ [insert which council district you live in and/or your organization, union, or business]. I’m writing to express my strong support for the emergency, temporary ordinance of $5.00 hazard pay for grocery workers in the City of Los Angeles.

Grocery and drug retail workers have risked their lives to keep our communities fed and connected to the critical resources they have needed throughout the pandemic. Many grocery and drug retail workers are BIPOC women and have become the primary earners in their households as families struggle under the combined weight of COVID-19 and widespread unemployment. Working Angelenos, especially families of color, have also not been able to shelter in place throughout the pandemic because they are more likely to hold essential jobs and thus face an increased exposure to the virus.

Members of UFCW770 and grocery workers across the city of Los Angeles have been calling on grocery store corporations to reinstate hazard pay as companies see record profits. Major grocers quietly let the hazard pay they once offered at the start of the pandemic expire as COVID rates soar and Intensive Care Unit capacities are at a breaking point. Yet, workers continue to face hazardous working conditions and risk their health in order to provide life saving resources for our communities.
 
This is the right policy for this unprecedented moment. Los Angeles must lead as it always has in fighting for the rights and dignity of working people. Thank you for your leadership.