Long Beach council directs ordinance to require staff monitoring of self-checkouts after weeks of worker testimony

Long Beach City Council members voted to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance setting minimum staffing and operational standards for self-checkout stations in grocery and retail drug stores, following lengthy public comment that included multiple accounts from frontline workers who said understaffed self-checkouts expose employees and customers to theft, harassment and violence. The motion instructs staff to prepare legislation based on Option 4 in the city manager’s memo and adds an enforcement mechanism through private right of action and required on-site signage explaining enforcement options.

Supporters told the council they experience harassment and physical threats at self-checkout areas. “I do not feel safe at work,” said Jose Espinosa, a store supervisor, describing repeated theft and confrontations that employees are not allowed to escalate. Union, faith and community groups urged the council to act; Steve Neal of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor said…