Worker's Ordinances & How They Impact the Community
Overview:
As of March 1, 2022, City Council guided by direction from the City Manager's Office, have decided to remove the sunset clause, thereby making the following ordinances permanent:
- Worker Retention Ordinance (LBMC, Chapter 5.53)
- Worker Recall Ordinance (LBMC, Chapter 5.53)
These ordinances are put in place, to protect those hospitality & janitorial service workers, who are employed at hotels or commercial properties that reside in the greater Long Beach area and meet the individual requirements proposed in their respective chapters. The ordinances sunset removal has been done to ensure an equitable recovery from COVID-19 for Long Beach hotel and janitorial workers and to protect workers against the dangers posed by future pandemics.
Worker Retention Ordinance
Overview:
The purpose of Worker Retention Ordinance (LBMC, Chapter 5.53), is to ensure that upon transfer of ownership or control of a hotel/commercial property, the new owner is to maintain a preferential hiring list, that is to provided by the previous employer. Once, the execution of transfer agreement is completed and continuing for six (6) months after the business is open to the public, the new operator is required to hire from the aforementioned list, during that time period.
Requirements:
For workers to qualify for the Worker Retention Ordinance, individuals must meet all the requirements listed below:
- The employee must have worked six (6) months or more, with the previous employer.
- Primary place of employment is a business subject to, a transfer of ownership or control.
- The worker has been employed or contracted for work functions directly by the employer.
- The individual has worked with the previous operator on or after March 4, 2020, and prior to the execution of the transfer agreement.
- The worker is not employed as a manager, supervisor, or confidential employee.
Additional Information:
For those that would like to know more, the City Council Open Session Video on March 1, 2022, at 5:00 PM PST and supporting information can be found here.
Worker Recall Ordinance
Overview:
The purpose of Worker Recall Ordinance (LBMC, Chapter 5.53), is to ensure that an employer prioritizes those employees in janitorial and hospitality services, that were let go, due to hardships caused by COVID-19. By requiring the hotel or commercial property, to notify those previous workers of openings, that they qualify for based on previous work history.
Requirements:
For workers to qualify for the Worker Recall Ordinance, individuals must meet the following requirements below:
- The worker must have worked a minimum of two (2) hours, or more for a period of six (6) months or greater, within the geographical areas of Long Beach.
- The commercial property/hotel must have 25 or more employees employed, with separation occurring on or after March 4, 2020.
Additional Information:
For those that would like to know more, the City Council Open Session Video on March 1, 2022, at 5:00 PM PST and supporting information can be found here.