On May 12, 2020, the Long Beach City Council adopted two ordinances: the COVID-19 Citywide Worker Retention ordinance and the COVID-19 Citywide Worker Recall ordinance to provide protections to workers in high-contact, high-risk industries during the COVID-19 emergency. Both ordinances became effective on June 22, 2020.
These protections, which were set to sunset on Feb. 28, 2022, helped vulnerable frontline workers retain their jobs and seniority throughout the first stages of this pandemic. This added layer of security provided stability and helped prevent homelessness.
Unfortunately, it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue for some time. With the potential for new strains and future waves of COVID-19, or a new public health crisis, it is important to continue to protect frontline workers.
On Feb.15, Long Beach City Council directed city staff to make these protections permanent. On March 2, the city council approved permanent protections. Long Beach is now the first city in the nation with a permanent recall and retention policy protecting hospitality and janitorial workers.
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