With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
No Hero Pay For Pasadena Grocery Workers
Jobs in the grocery industry are actually down slightly from last year in the greater L.A. area. Chava Sanchez/LAist
A proposal to consider a temporary pay bump for Pasadena’s frontline workers, known as "hero pay," failed last night in a four-to-four vote in the City Council.
Those opposed to the measure, including councilmember Tyron Hampton, cited unintended consequences, such as price hikes and layoffs.
"To call this progressive — I'm sorry, it's not," Hampton said."At the end of the day, realistically, if they are going to lay off people, if they are going to cut people's hours, you know whose hours they are going to cut? People that look like me, and the people that are of color."
But Councilmember Jess Rivas, who supported the motion, argued grocery workers are in a unique situation.
Sponsored message
"They've stepped up and put their health on the line to make sure that we've all been able to stay safer at home," Rivas said. "And in doing so, they face higher infection rates and mortality rates than the rest of us."
Long Beach and several other cities recently passed a temporary $4-per-hour increase . L.A., Santa Monica and West Hollywood approved similar measures , at the rate of $5-per-hour.
The California Grocers Association is challenging several of these ordinances in court.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters . To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now .
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
