With the two Waldbaum’s supermarkets in Howard Beach set to shutter soon and reopen under familiar grocery chain names, some Waldbaum’s workers might have been paying attention to a City Council hearing last week on a bill that would require new grocery store owners to retain the previous owner’s staff for a transition period after a business is sold.
Under the Grocery Worker Retention Act, which was introduced in January by Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans), employees are to be kept by the new owner for 90 days. After the transition period, the new employer must evaluate each employee and consider keeping them as employees.
“Because supermarkets and grocery retailers are the primary means by which most New Yorkers meet their daily dietary needs, it is evident that this industry is essential to the health of the City’s population. Therefore, the City has a direct interest in making sure that it provides for the welfare of its residents by maintaining health and safety standards at these establishments,” reads Intro 0632. “To that end, it is important that these establishments are staffed by experienced grocery workers who have knowledge of proper sanitation procedures, health regulations and who are familiar with the residents of the communities they serve. A transitional period during a change in ownership, control or operation of a store that provides for the consideration of hiring incumbent workers will further the City’s interest in ensuring the stabilization of this vital workforce. Through this Local Law, the City can make sure the health and safety of its residents will be secured through the maintenance of a steady and dependable workforce.”
“To me, it was common sense,” Miller told The Forum on Tuesday, adding that the bill would benefit both sides.
“It was necessary for the workers, so they’re not displaced immediately and they can demonstrate their value to their owner,” he said. “And it would be advantageous for owners to maintain quality employees.”
Some terms of GWRA include: the employee must have been a full-time worker for at least six months at an establishment that features at least 10,000 square feet of sales floor.
Miller said he’s looking forward to introducing the bill again at the next Council stated meeting.
“This allows for some transparency in the industry,” he added. “You can retain qualified workers, and you can also maintain the economy of the community.”
