LONG BEACH BECOMES FIRST CITY IN THE NATION TO PASS “SAFE STORES ARE STAFFED STORES” ORDINANCE ADDRESSING IMPACTS OF SELF-CHECKOUT IN CITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2025
Contact: Jenna Thompson, 949.246.1620 jthompson@ufcw324.org
LONG BEACH BECOMES FIRST CITY IN THE NATION TO PASS “SAFE STORES ARE STAFFED STORES” ORDINANCE ADDRESSING IMPACTS OF SELF-CHECKOUT IN CITY
Buena Park, CA—Yesterday, the Long Beach City Council made history as the first city in the nation to take proactive steps to address the impacts of self-checkout systems in grocery and drug retail stores, prioritizing both worker protections and customer safety. The “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance sets forth clear staffing requirements for grocery and drug retail establishments operating self-checkout machines, addressing growing concerns over automation-driven understaffing and its impact on public safety.
“We believe in a future where technology enhances—not replaces—the essential role of workers in grocery and retail settings,” said Andrea Zinder, President of UFCW Local 324. “While self-checkout systems are becoming more common, they must be implemented in ways that support workers, improve customer service, and maintain safety. Our members are dedicated professionals who deserve the staffing levels and support necessary to perform their jobs effectively. Long Beach has a proud history of championing pro-worker and public safety initiatives, and this action is another step toward ensuring quality jobs and safe, positive shopping experiences for everyone.”
The “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance now requires grocery and drug-retail stores in the City of Long Beach to have a staffed checkout lane open before any self-checkout stations are operated, and that one dedicated employee must supervise no more than three self-checkout machines. The ordinance garnered widespread support from Long Beach workers, clergy, and community advocates. Many cited the rise in petty theft, customer aggression, and workload strain as urgent reasons for regulation.
“We’ve faced a lot of tough situations—being asked to cover too many self-checkout machines, dealing with theft, and sometimes really hostile behavior from customers,” said Teri Mondor, a UFCW 324 member and food clerk at Ralphs in Long Beach. “But I’ve seen how things can change when stores are properly staffed. When co-workers are nearby to help, those situations calm down fast. This ordinance gives me hope that we’re finally moving toward safer, more respectful workplaces—for workers and customers alike.”
“Every shift brings challenges—whether it’s theft or a tense confrontation—but right now, we’re often expected to handle it all alone,” said Shemika Pecot, a UFCW 324 member and cashier at Vons in Long Beach. “It’s exhausting and, at times, even unsafe. But this ordinance gives us a chance to change that. With better staffing and support, we can create a safer environment for everyone. We’re speaking up because we know things can be better—and now, our city is listening.”
The growing trend of understaffing and over-reliance on self-checkout technology has created unsafe conditions for both workers and shoppers. Retail workers are increasingly overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing multiple self-checkout stations with insufficient staffing, often while handling other duties. This situation elevates workplace tension and risk, especially when machines malfunction or customers become frustrated. The lack of human oversight makes it harder to prevent theft, and when theft occurs, workers are left to deal with the fallout, contributing to hostile work environments and unsafe conditions. Customers—particularly seniors and people with disabilities—are often left struggling with self-checkout systems that they may not be able to use effectively. These vulnerable populations are underserved, isolated, and frequently face long wait times due to the lack of human assistance.
“We’re seeing chronic understaffing at self-checkout stands create unsafe conditions for workers and shoppers alike,” said Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “Retail workers have shared alarming stories of theft, threats, and violence—this ordinance is a direct response to their lived experiences.”
“This ordinance is about restoring balance,” said Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk. “Innovation is important, but not when it leaves workers isolated and stores vulnerable to crime. We’re building a model for safer, more humane retail environments.”
The ordinance will take effect 31 days after it undergoes a second reading at the Long Beach City Council. The second reading is expected to be completed on August 12, 2025.
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