Judge Denies Preliminary Injunction Ordinance of City’s “Hero Pay” for Grocery Workers

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is pleased that District Court Judge Otis Wright has denied the California Grocers’ Association motion for a preliminary injunction. This will allow Long Beach’s Premium Pay for Grocery Workers Ordinance to stand and ensure that grocery stores pay workers fair compensation in recognition of the risks they are undertaking by continuing to provide their essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are pleased that Judge Wright agreed with the City’s position regarding the critical role grocery store workers play in the community during this time of pandemic and national emergency,” said Long Beach City Attorney Charles Parkin. “He clearly listened to the legal arguments carefully and thoughtfully and was well-versed in the relevant case law on this issue, and in the end came to the conclusion that there was no basis to stop the City from enforcing our ‘Hero Pay’ Ordinance.”

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