Judge Voids L.A. Workers Retention Ordinance

LOS ANGELES — A local ordinance requiring certain supermarket retailers to retain workers when a store changes ownership was voided by a Superior Court judge in a tentative ruling here last week. The decision will become final unless someone raises controverted issues or proposes modifications by Nov. 5. According to the California Grocers Association, which challenged the Los Angeles City Council ordinance, the court said the law conflicts with statewide food safety and food handler laws and it also discriminates between grocery stores based on size and whether they have a collective bargaining agreement with the union, which violate the equal protection guarantees of the state and federal Constitutions. According to Peter Larkin, CGA president, "Since the ordinance has been in effect, sales of grocery stores from one operator to another in the city of Los Angeles have ceased. Stopping the growth of new retail in the city demonstrates the first of many harmful impacts this law will have on city residents. We look forward to a final ruling from the court."

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