Largest Grocer Kroger Closes Long Beach Stores to Avoid Paying Workers | Eater LA

"This South Street grocery was also slated to close after the city enacted temporary premium pay for essential grocery workers, with the company blaming the added labor costs. Observers highlight that the store sits in a densely competitive area with multiple nearby supermarkets (including another Food 4 Less, Superior Grocers and WinCo Foods within a mile), and unions and some community members allege the closure is part of broader cost-cutting or retaliation rather than an unavoidable result of the short-term pay policy. The shutdown is expected to lead to layoffs or transfers for affected employees around April 17, 2021, and has become part of a larger debate over worker safety, hazard pay, corporate profits, and the legality of municipal mandated premium pay." - Mona Holmes