Anaheim Fails to Support Worker Safety on the Job
UFCW 324
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2026
Contact: Jenna Thompson, 949.246.1620, jthompson@ufcw324.org
Anaheim Fails to Support Worker Safety on the Job
“Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” Ordinance Hearing Postponed
Santa Ana, CA – On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Anaheim City Council postponed hearing the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance, which would address staffing and operational standards for the use of self-checkout in grocery retail stores and retail drug establishments in the city.
The common-sense ordinance proactively addresses retail theft and advances public safety has been passed by the cities of Long Beach, Costa Mesa, and most recently, Santa Ana, which was passed 7-0 by the Santa Ana City Council.
“Across our communities and stores, we are seeing a rapid expansion of self-checkout machines. Not to improve service, but to cut jobs,” said Jose Perez, president, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324. “Unfortunately, the city of Anaheim thought it was better to stand with businesses than its constituents, the workers that power this important city. We are disappointed by the Anaheim City Council’s postponement tonight. Cities across California have already taken action because they recognize that safe stores are staffed stores, and we expected Anaheim to be a golden standard in Orange County. We will continue working with the City Council to ensure workers are kept safe and the ordinance follows other cities in the region with a minimum staffing ratio of at least one dedicated employee for every three self-checkout machines.”
The grocery industry came out in force to fight back against this ordinance in an effort to continue reducing labor costs by using self-checkout systems. Many of the workers in attendance tonight sat across from their managers as they spoke in opposition of the ordinance.
The practice of understaffing and the increasingly widespread reliance on self-checkout create an unsafe environment for both shoppers and workers. Customers, particularly seniors and people with disabilities, are frequently left to struggle with technology that they may not be able to use effectively. These vulnerable populations are underserved and isolated, without the assistance they need, and often face long delays in service.
“Having one person watch several self checkout machines that are all in use, while they’re also being made to stock or help other customers at the customer service desk, is simply not possible,” said Yvonne Schroeder, an inventory control clerk at Vons in Anaheim Hills. “Workers shouldn’t have to juggle several tasks at the same time, and customers shouldn’t have to endlessly wait for customer service. I’m disappointed that the City Council didn’t hear this important ordinance today, but I know when it does come back up before the council, my UFCW brothers and sisters will be beside me showing why it is desperately needed.”
The “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance seeks to improve citywide public safety, safeguard employees, and lower retail theft. It requires all drug retail establishments with self-checkout stations and grocery stores larger than 15,000 square feet to have a minimum staffing ratio of at least one dedicated employee for every three self-checkout machines and requires one manned checkstand to be open at all times when self-checkout kiosks are in operation.
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